Postsurgical Complications

• Dislocation – Hip dislocation occurs when the ball comes out of the socket.  The risk for this is the greatest within the first few months after surgery while the musculature is healing.  Dislocation is treated with a closed reduction, placing the ball back in the socket typically without the need for further surgery.  If the hip continues to dislocate, further surgery may be needed.
• Fractures
• Infection – Infection is a very serious complication of any joint replacement surgery.  Precautions, such as the use of antibiotics at the time of surgery, special air-handling filters in the operating rooms, and sometimes the use of space suits by the surgeon and nurses in the operating rooms, are taken to help to reduce the risk of an infection developing.  Additional surgery may be necessary if an infection should develop.