Complications

Every operation – even the smallest – has a certain residual risk, which can be caused by the operation itself, the anaesthesia or the cardiovascular system. Certain existing illnesses can also increase the risk. Some risks worth mentioning are listed below:

• Risks during anaesthesia: These risks are present in every operation and are dependent on a number of factors (such as patient age, concomitant illnesses and general state of health).

• Infections: The can occur on the surface of the wound or deep in the prosthesis. They are relatively rare (<1%) but are often serious and can occur early on or even after a number of years and require treatment with antibiotics. In the worst cases, a follow-up operation for the infection to be treated.

• Haematoma/swelling: It can be the case that haematoma with a swelling of the entire leg occurs after surgery. The bleeding is generally resorbed spontaneously. It can sometimes, however, by the case that the haematoma needs to be corrected surgically. The swelling subsides over the course of the next months and can be reduced if support stockings are worn.

• Adhesions and calcifications in the hip joint: These can be responsible for some stiffening of the joint. If mobility cannot be improved despite intensive physiotherapy, the hip joint can be carefully mobilised under brief anaesthesia to detach the adhesions. Thanks to modern pain treatments, this problem is now rare.

• Thrombosis: The formation of blood clots in the leg veins is a problem that can occur in all major operations. The risks can be greatly reduced with a medication-based prophylaxis with anticoagulants, a rapid post-operative mobilisation and the wearing of support stockings, along with other measures.

• Pulmonary embolism: A thrombosis can take its course without being noticed. If the blood clot reaches the lungs, this results in a life-threatening pulmonary embolism.

The following complications can also occur: Injury to nerve and blood vessels, broken bones, calcium deposits in the musculature, luxation or loosening of the new joint or problems with the healing process. No surgeon will be able to guarantee success. Using adequate prophylaxis will, however, make it possible to reduce risks to a minimum. You will also be thoroughly examined once again before surgery so that any existing illnesses can be identified and you can be given optimal treatment.

- The first patient with a Corail stem
- Proven clinical success
- Established geometry
- Established hydroxyapatite (HA) coating
- When is the right time for an operation?
- Quality of life following an operation
- Hospital admission, preparation for the operation and surgery procedure
- The first days after the operation
- Hospital discharge and after-care
- Housekeeping and everyday life after the operation
- Movement and sport after the operation

Back to hip-joint replacement