Five Risks and Warning Signs of Hip Implant Surgery Complications

Jun 3
08:23

2011

John D Jones

John D Jones

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This article describes five risks and warning signs of complications after a hip implant surgery.

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As recent as this year,Five Risks and Warning Signs of Hip Implant Surgery Complications Articles complaints of faulty hip replacement equipment and surgery complications have increased both in the United States and abroad. Many people who had recently undergone hip implant surgery were forced to return to their doctor once again to fix what had already been a very painful and unpleasant procedure; a corrective surgery that was meant to help them but instead brought on even more pain and medical problems.

While each case varies in intensity, the end result is always fairly similar. After a brief assessment, the patient would inevitably have to go back under the knife for a second surgery, known as a revision surgery. These revisions are a result of defective hip implants which can cause more damage the longer they are left inside the body. The following are some of the risks and warning signs that may help you identify the problems associated with a defective hip implant.

1) The implant may loosen from the bone

Risk: This is the most common form of hip implant problems. A defective implant may loosen or detach from the bone, causing the patient to lose control and movement of the leg. There is no quick fix to this problem. The implant must be taken out and replaced.

Warning Sign: Highly elevated level of pain, decreased mobility and pain in the femur and lower back.

2) The femoral cap can come dislodged from the femoral bone

Risk: This can occur after a resurfacing hip surgery. In a resurfacing surgery the femoral bone is not replaced entirely. Instead a cap (often metallic) is placed on the femoral bone. If done incorrectly, the cap has the potential to slide off of the bone or become dislodged.

Warning Sign: Full loss of mobility will occur over a short period of time followed by pain and numbness.

3) The acetabulum cup can fall out of place

Risk: The acetabulum cup is used in all types of hip replacement surgeries. If the part is defective or not installed correctly is can slip out of position much like the femoral cap. These two pieces are supposed to work together to allow movement, however if the acetabulum cup fails to work properly, mobility will cease.

Warning Sign: Loss of mobility, pain in the lower back and spine, and popping sounds when the patient moves his or her leg.

4) The bones near the implant can break or fracture

Risk: If the implant is too abrasive for the surrounding bone, it may cause the bone to break or fracture. If the bones break as a result of the implant, a surgery to remove the implant must be preformed until the bones have the opportunity to heal.

Warning Sign: Soreness and inflammation in the area surrounding the broken bone. Depending on the severity, mobility may be possible, but not without a certain amount of pain.

5) The Implant may become dislocated

Risk: Much like a regular hip, a hip implant can become dislocated. If the implant is defective or poor quality, the likelihood of dislocation increases. This dislocation can occur anytime even in non-strenuous circumstances. If this happens, the implant must be replaced due to the likelihood of another incident in the future.   

Warning Sign: Immediate loss of mobility accompanied by shooting pain and numbness. It will be impossible for the patient to move the leg until it is set back into place.

If you have received a hip implant that has been recalled by the manufacturer such as a DePuy hip implant, and are experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms, consult a doctor immediately. Early detection is a key factor in preventing the faulty hip implant from causing additional damage to your body.