How Do I Know if My Hip Replacement Is Failing?

Hip replacement is usually the last resort for people with hip joints damaged beyond repair due to arthritis, trauma, or any other reason. Usually, the hip joint implants last 15-20 years when operated by expert surgeons and cared for appropriately. These are considered successful surgeries. However, one cannot discount the potential and possibility of hip replacement failures. Failed surgeries exhibit specific symptoms you must be aware of and be attentive to. But precisely what are those signs and symptoms? How will you identify if your hip replacement is failing? Let’s see.

• Persistent Pain

Pain is the most common and foremost symptom to look for while identifying a hip replacement failure. Aches experienced around the hip region after rehabilitation, perhaps a few weeks, months, or years later, can indicate a critical failure. You must address them promptly before the pain intensifies and culminates into something severe.

• Dislocation

Another common sign to watch for is instability or dislocation. If you feel instability in your hip joint or the joint dislocates frequently, it means the artificial joint isn’t functioning as it should and requires prompt medical intervention. In situations like these, you will hear a popping sound while walking.

• Grinding or Clicking Sound

Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds or sensations are associated with an implant wearing down or loosening. Some other symptoms include pain, full or partial hip dislocation, swelling in and around the replaced hip joint, and a sensation that the joint is moving in and out of the socket.

• Reduced Mobility

During hip replacement surgery, the implant is either attached with bone cement or hammered into the bone to let it attach to the bone. However, if the bone does not grow onto the components or if the attachment loosens, the joint will cause pain and start loosening. That can affect your mobility, making it difficult to move and causing problems while performing daily activities.

• Infection

Infection from bacterial growth in and around the surface of the prosthetic joint is a critical complication. In some cases, infection will result shortly after the operation. However, in some others, it may take years. With the onset of bacterial growth on and around the replacement components, removing them will require another surgery. Some common signs of infection include swelling, redness, pain, drainage, instability, or wounds that do not heal. A few other even more critical signs include diarrhea, fever, excruciating muscle pain, excessive fatigue, and vomiting or nausea.

• Metallosis

This is common with metal hip joints. It refers to an increase in the metal levels in the blood resulting from metal deposits released and absorbed due to the grinding of the metal implants. High metal levels pose a significant health risk. You must see your doctor regularly and undergo blood tests to check for such conditions.

Final Words

Ignoring the above generic signs and continuing to live with the challenge can indicate a bigger threat lurking. Hence, you must listen to your body’s needs and acknowledge its response to surgery. Addressing the above symptoms and any other specific ones in a timely manner can help you reduce the damage and avoid further complications. So, if you have been experiencing them, consider visiting Ranka Hospital. We will examine your condition and offer a personalized and accurate treatment. Call us at +91 – 20 – 24261530 for an appointment.