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Hip Replacement (Total Hip Arthroplasty) — risks and complications
6 documented risks. Severity reflects clinical significance, not probability.
Periprosthetic infection
severe1.00% (0.50–2.00%)Prevention: Antibiotic prophylaxis; laminar flow theatre; weight management pre-op; tight glycaemic control.
Sources: aaos-knee-replacement-guideline
Dislocation
moderate2.00% (1.00–5.00%)Prevention: Appropriate hip precautions in first 6-12 weeks; anterior approach has lower dislocation rates in some series.
Sources: aaos-knee-replacement-guideline
Deep vein thrombosis / pulmonary embolism
severe1.50% (0.50–3.00%)Prevention: Mechanical and pharmacological prophylaxis per NICE NG89; early mobilisation.
Sources: nice-ng89-venous-thromboembolism
Implant loosening (long-term)
moderate5.00% (2.00–10.00%)Prevention: Appropriate fixation technique; activity modification; weight management.
Sources: njr-annual-report
Leg-length discrepancy
minor10.00%Prevention: Pre-operative templating; intra-operative measurement.
Sources: aaos-knee-replacement-guideline
Sciatic nerve injury
severe0.50%Prevention: Careful surgical exposure; avoidance of excessive limb-length adjustment.
Sources: aaos-knee-replacement-guideline