Are there any complications and risks of joint replacement surgery?
Total joint replacement surgery is successful most of the time. Still, there are some complications that can occur such as infections, the formation of blood clots, loosening of the joint, dislocation, wear, and injury to the nerves and blood vessels.
As with any surgical procedure, possible complications associated with a total joint replacement surgery may appear and these include:
- Infection: Infection may develop around the surgical incision site or around the newly placed prosthesis. Minor infections are often treated with medications whereas deeper infections require a second operation to get rid of the infection.
- Formation of a blood clot: If your blood circulation is sluggish, there may be lumps of blood called clots, which usually cause swelling and pain in the legs. Blood thinners or a special type of stockings or boots, and exercises may be suggested to overcome this problem.
- Loosening of the joint: The replaced joint may become loose leading to pain. If this problem is severe, another revision surgery may be required.
- Dislocation: In cases of total hip replacement, the ball portion of the artificial joint may pop out of its socket. Most such cases do not need surgery instead a brace will be advised.
- Wear: Normally, there will be some degree of wear noticed in all types of joint replacements. Excessive wear can lead to the loosening of the joint, which may require surgery to replace the worn-out component.
- Injury to the nerves and blood vessels: Rarely there are chances of injury to the nerves and blood vessels in the proximity of the replaced joint.
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Source: https://www.cedars-sinai.edu/
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