Is joint replacement surgery safe?

Joint replacement is a commonly performed operation and can significantly reduce pain and improve mobility in appropriately selected patients. However, it is still major surgery and no operation is completely risk-free. Possible complications include infection, blood clots, bleeding, stiffness, nerve or blood-vessel injury, dislocation in some joints, implant loosening, and complications related to anaesthesia.

Hospitals use several measures to reduce these risks. These may include antibiotics around the time of surgery, blood-clot prevention, early mobilisation, careful sterile technique, medical optimisation before surgery, and structured follow-up. The patient also plays a role by controlling conditions such as diabetes, stopping smoking if advised, following wound-care instructions, and doing prescribed rehabilitation.

Individual risk varies depending on age, general health, previous surgery, body weight, medications, and the joint being replaced. Before surgery, the orthopaedic and anaesthesia teams should explain the expected benefits and personal risks so the patient can make an informed decision.

Patients can improve safety by sharing their complete medical history, following instructions about medicines and fasting, reporting infections before surgery, and attending follow-up appointments. Warning signs after discharge, such as fever, increasing wound redness or drainage, new calf swelling, chest pain, or shortness of breath, should be treated seriously and reported promptly.