Joint replacement surgery tends to be a very safe surgical procedure with a low risk for any complications.

However, as with any other major surgery, patients who decide to undergo total joint replacement indeed place themselves at risk for certain complications. The good news is…many complications can be avoided and treated with success if they do arise.

Your surgeon and other medical professionals that are involved in the care of you or your loved one will provide you with instructions following your surgery so that you can best prevent any complications from occurring.

Joint replacement is only considered when all other less invasive treatment has been deemed unsuccessful, and the pain from the damaged joint is decreasing your overall quality of life. So, if this situation relates to you or your loved one, the minor risks of having a total joint replacement should seem minimal related to how it could positively impact your life and alleviate your pain.

It will be the sole responsibility of your surgeon to fully discuss the entirety of the procedure, along with all the risks and benefits. Surgical problems that could arise include:

• Blood clots

  Blood clots can occur after joint replacement surgery due to being immobile for a certain time period.

  To minimize this risk, your doctor will start you on blood thinning medication that you will take for several weeks once your surgery is over.

  You will also be provided with compression stockings to wear on your legs to keep the blood circulating in your legs.

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  Early movement after surgery, either on the day of or the day immediately following, will promote circulation to prevent blood from clotting.

  If a blood clot does form, it may dislodge itself and travel to the lungs which can be fatal.

• Lung congestion

  Pneumonia will be a possible risk after surgery.

  While in the hospital and in order to prevent it from happening to you, you will be instructed to do deep breathing exercises, cough and move frequently to get your lungs functioning at their best.



• Infections

  Your surgical wound has the potential to become infected either in the hospital, at home, or in the long run.

  To reduce this risk, doctors will prescribe antibiotics for you to take after your surgery, and years down the road you may be instructed to take antibiotics before certain medical procedures, such as going to the dentist.

  The artificial joint may also become infected; sometimes the infection can be cleared without totally removing the artificial joint, but some may require the artificial joint having to be completely removed.

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• Stiffness & Scarring

  After surgery, your body’s natural response will be to make scar tissue, both inside your joint and on the surface of your skin.

  Development of scar tissue can cause your joint to become stiff and difficult to move so it is in your best interest to begin moving as quickly as possible after surgery, and on a regular basis to break up that scar tissue and prevent this from happening to you.

• Loose or Failed Artificial Parts

  Over time your implants may wear out and/or loosen.

  

  Typically this is more of a risk in the younger population who undergo total joint replacements because they tend to live longer with their implants and place more demands on the joint.

  If your joint does wear out, a revision surgery may be performed.

• Hip Dislocation

  This can occur for many reasons, but you will be given strict instructions to follow immediately following surgery that will prevent this from happening to you if you follow them correctly as directed.

To best prevent hip dislocation you can do the following:

• Do not cross your legs.
• Choose an elevated seat when sitting or using the bathroom.
• Do not bend your hip more than 90 degrees (toward your chest).

The list of surgery problems may seem extensive; however the risks still are minimal with total joint replacement. It is important though to always closely follow all direction given to you by medical professionals to ensure the best outcomes for you or your loved one.

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Andrew Makarik

to@welovecostarica.com

Andrew Makarik is the main editor of WeLoveCostaRica, a fan of this sunny country. He is also a loving husband and a has a lovely daughter. By being a devoted family man and the biggest Costa Rica fan, he wants to make more people feel at home there. WeLoveCostaRica unites people and helps them find new home or a new travel destination. This website is a friendly community where everyone can find not only information, but also new friends and travel pals. Andrew is also passionate about IT and programming, so he himself maintains a friendly atmosphere in this cozy environment of WeLoveCostaRica.com.