Complications of joint surgery

ALL SURGERY carry risks, and although joint replacement surgeries are relatively safe nowadays, it must be emphasized that even in the hands of the most skilled doctor and an expert team, some complications may occur.

With joint replacement some patients can experience early infections, meaning it occurs in the days or weeks following the surgery, others may experience late infection, meaning the signs and symptoms appear years down the road. Some infections can be severe and serious so much so that the implants may have to be removed. Thus to avoid or lessen the risk, antibiotic therapy are usually given to patients prior to the invasive procedure.

There is also the possibility of developing a big blood clot, which if it goes into the general circulation may cause embolism- obstruction to blood flow by a blood clot- which could be in the lungs- pulmonary embolism; or in the braincerebral embolism, with catastrophic effects. Therefore, patients may be given blood-thinning medications. Others are given compression stockings to help minimize the risk.

Other complications associated with joint replacement are stiffness, hip dislocation and implant loosening or implant failure. Stiffness can be the result of scar tissue build up which is why it is very important to begin physical activity immediately and adhere to a rehabilitation program protocol. Hip dislocation on the other hand, can occur for a variety of reasons like falls and sitting too low. Those with hip replacements are advised not to cross their legs, avoid turning their foot inward. Though they are designed to last much longer than they used to , over time the implants can loosen or wear out, thus in some cases, the patient may have to undergo revision surgery- the replacement of a replacement.

Joint replacement surgery typically takes one to two hours and requires and average hospital