Risks of hip & knee replacement — and how they’re reduced

• 1

  Prosthetic joint infection

  Uncommon (generally around 1% in primary surgery) but the most serious complication; it can require further surgery and prolonged antibiotics.

• 2

  Blood clots (thrombosis)

  Clots can form in the leg veins after surgery and, rarely, travel to the lungs. Prevention is a standard part of the protocol.

• 3

  Dislocation (hip)

  The prosthetic head can come out of position, mostly in the first months. Surgical technique and approach directly influence this risk.

• 4

  Stiffness (knee)

  Some knees heal with less range of motion than expected. Early rehabilitation is the main tool to prevent it.

• 5

  Implant wear or loosening

  Over the years an implant can loosen or wear; revision surgery exists for that scenario.

• 6

  Others

  Nerve or vessel injury (rare), leg-length difference (hip), and the risks of anesthesia, which are assessed individually before surgery.

• 1

  Antibiotic prophylaxis and a controlled OR

  Correctly timed antibiotics, strict sterile technique and efficient surgical times lower the chance of infection.

• 2

  Clot prevention

  Prophylactic blood thinners, compression stockings and — above all — early mobilization: walking the same day is also a safety measure.

• 3

  Technique and approach

  In the hip, the direct anterior approach preserves the posterior muscles and is associated with a lower dislocation risk. In the knee, robotic planning helps optimize alignment and balance.

• 4

  Pre-operative optimization

  Controlling diabetes, treating dental infections, stopping smoking and strengthening muscles before surgery. See the preparation guide.

• 5

  Guided rehabilitation

  A progressive physical-therapy program protects the result and prevents stiffness.

Contact your team immediately for fever, redness or drainage from the wound, pain that increases instead of decreasing, significant calf swelling, or difficulty breathing. Catching a problem early completely changes how it is managed.

Is joint replacement surgery dangerous?

It is major surgery, but safe for the vast majority of patients: serious complications are uncommon and specific protocols exist to prevent each one.

What is the chance of infection?

In primary surgery the risk of deep infection is generally around 1%. Antibiotic prophylaxis, sterile technique and optimizing your health lower it further.

Who assesses my individual risk?

Dr. Aria Ravery Morovati reviews your history, studies and risk factors at the consultation and discusses them with you before deciding on surgery. Contact us.

References

Based on guidance from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS). Content reviewed by Dr. Aria Ravery Morovati, orthopedic surgeon.