Blood clots: A DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is a blood clot in a vein. These may present as red, painful and swollen legs. The risks of a DVT are greater after any surgery (and especially bone surgery). A DVT can pass in the blood stream and be deposited in the lungs (causing a pulmonary embolism – see below). This is a very serious condition, which affects your breathing. To limit the risk we give you medications (tablets or as an injection) to thin the blood, and ask you to wear stockings on your legs to keep blood circulating around the leg. Starting to walk and getting moving is one of the best ways to reduce the risks of blood clots from forming.

Bleeding: This is usually small and can be stopped in the surgery. However, large amounts of bleeding may need a blood transfusion or iron tablets. Rarely, the bleeding may form a blood collection or large bruise within the wound which may become painful and require surgery to remove it.

Pain: The hip will be sore after the surgery. If you are in pain, it is important to tell staff so that pain medicines can be given. Pain will improve with time. Pain will rarely be a long-term problem.

Prosthesis wear: The mean lifespan of a Total Hip Replacement is over 15 years Wear and loosening are the two main causes of failure. Infection can also cause failure, this may require implant removal and revision surgery

Altered leg length: The operated leg may appear shorter or longer than the other. This rarely requires surgery to correct the difference, or may require shoe implants.

Joint dislocation: Dislocation is where the ball jumps out of the socket. You will experience pain and will not be able to lift your leg The new hip is less stable than your original hip. If the hip does dislocate, the joint may be put back into place without the need for surgery. If not, surgery is required and a hip brace is worn. Rarely, if the hip keeps dislocating, revision surgery may be necessary.

Urinary problems: Some patients will experience difficulty in passing urine following surgery and may require a catheter in their bladder for a day or two. Other patients may go on to develop a urinary infection usually as a result of incomplete bladder emptying. This can be treated with oral antibiotics

Constipation: It is common to not have a bowel action for the first 2 to 4 days after your surgery due to pain medications, anaesthesia, or a lack of movement. You may be given some mild stool softeners to commence immediately after surgery. Untreated constipation can also lead to more severe abdominal problems

Chest infection: Some patients may develop a chest infection and may require some chest physiotherapy and antibiotics

Infection: You will be given antibiotics just before and after the surgery and procedure will be performed in sterile conditions with sterile equipment. This is usually treated with antibiotics, but surgery to wash the joint may be necessary. In rare cases, the implants may be removed and replaced at a later date. The infection can sometimes lead to sepsis (blood infection) and stronger antibiotics are required.

Keloid: The wound may become red, painful and thickened scar especially. Massaging the scar with cream when it has healed may help.

Nerve injury: Nerves around the hip are at risk. This may cause temporary or permanent altered sensation or weakness along the leg.

Bone injury: The thigh bone may be broken when the implant (metal replacement) is put in. This may require fixing at the time or at a later surgery.

Vessel damage: The blood vessels around the hip may rarely be damaged. This may require further surgery by the vascular surgeons.

Pulmonary embolism: This is a consequence of a DVT. It is a blood clot that spreads to the lungs and can make breathing very difficult, and may be fatal.

Heart attack: Some patients can have a heart attack which can be fatal.

Stroke: Some patients may develop a stroke which can be fatal, life changing or life limiting

Death: This can occur from any of the above complications.