JOINT REPLACEMENT SURGERY - FAQ

4. Results of Joint replacement surgery

Expect your new joint to reduce the pain you felt before your surgery. But don't expect to do anything you couldn't do before surgery. High-impact activities such as running or playing basketball are not recommended.

You may be able to swim, play golf, walk or ride a bike comfortably. Travelling should be possible. You can expect to be pain-free for 10 to 15 years after surgery.

5. Risks of joint replacement surgery

Complications are rare but include: - Blood clots may form in the legs after surgery. Blood-thinning medications, compression stockings and exercise will reduce this risk. - Infection risk is approximately 1:50 to 1:100.

Most infections are treated with antibiotics, but a major infections may require surgery to remove and replace the prosthesis. If you are undergoing dental, gynaecologic, bladder or bowel surgery it may be good to take protective antibiotics to prevent infection of the joint.

Discuss this with your doctor. - Loosening. Over time your new joint may loosen, causing pain. Surgery might be needed to fix the problem. - Dislocation. Certain positions can cause the ball of the hip joint to become dislodged. To avoid this, don't bend more than 90 degrees at the hip and don't let your leg cross the midline of your body.

Looking ahead for Hip Replacement Surgery

New techniques are on the horizon for hip replacement surgery. Minimal incision hip replacement requires only a 3- to 5-inch incision — a departure from the current 10- to 12-inch incision.

Some studies have shown that people who undergo minimally invasive hip replacement have an easier and less painful recovery, spend less time in the hospital and have fewer complications. But other studies haven't found this. More studies and longer follow-up are needed to evaluate minimally invasive techniques.

Hip and Knee Surgery

Joint Replacement Surgery