The number of hip replacements has risen substantially in the United States over the past years. A study showed that the number of procedures more than doubled from the years 2000 to 2010. In 2000, there were 138,700 and in 2010, the number rose to 310,800. The study focused on people ages 45 and over which made up 95% of the surgeries. The most common reason for hip replacement is damage from arthritis.
Common Risks of Hip Surgery
Hip surgery can improve a person’s life in many ways. However, it does not come without risks. Below are several risks involved in having this procedure done.
- Infection. These can occur near your incision and can usually be treated with antibiotics. However, if the infection is severe near the prosthesis, surgery may be required.
- Blood clots. Occasionally, clots can form in your leg veins after surgery and there is a risk that the clot could travel to the lungs or heart.
- Fractures. During surgery, parts of the hip can fracture and heal on their own or may require corrective procedures if it is a larger fracture.
- Dislocation. The ball of your new joint may become dislodged. Sometimes it will go back in place but other times, another surgery is needed.
- Change in leg length. This can happen occasionally but doctors do all they can to avoid this during surgery. If it occurs, stretching and strengthening muscles over time can help.
Death from hip replacement is rare but can occur. Often it depends on the age of the individual that is having the surgery and their medical condition before the procedure.
Research your doctor and the procedure before having the surgery. There have been over 45,000 faulty hip replacements by Stryker. Stryker is a large manufacturer of orthopedic surgery components and many of them have proven to be faulty and there have been several lawsuits regarding these products.
If you suspect that your hip replacement surgery could have been affected by faulty parts, contact an experienced attorney today.