During hip replacement surgery, the damaged hip is removed from the body and an artificial hip is put in. Hip replacement surgery is recommended when severe hip damage prevents the hip from healing or working properly, when a previous injury has caused the hip joint to deteriorate faster than normal, and when there is a combination of injuries to the hips, pelvis and thighs.
While most hip replacement surgery goes smoothly, there are possible risks and complications. These include:
- Blood clots in the leg veins after surgery
- Injury to the veins during surgery
- Infections at the incision site
- Infections in the tissue near the new hip
- Fracture or injury to the healthy parts of the bone during surgery
- Change in leg length
- Stiff joint or difficulty moving the joint
- Dislocation of the artificial hip joint
- Breaking of the artificial joint
- Defective or recalled artificial hips
After a hip replacement, the accident victim will begin a physical therapy regimen designed to increase strength and range of motion in the joint. It takes three to six months to fully recover from hip replacement surgery; however, even after surgery, one should not expect to enjoy the same mobility as before the accident. The patient will have to avoid high impact activities such as running, jumping and playing basketball.
Artificial hips are only designed to last about 15 years. When a prosthetic hip wears out, it must be replaced. If the accident victim is young, he or she may require two or three or more hip replacements.
If you are seeking damages for a hip injury sustained in a Missouri car wreck, your Kansas City car accident attorney should make sure that you are compensated for the loss of mobility and for any expected future surgeries.
Do you have questions? Our book, 10 Essential Steps You Must Take To Protect Your Injury Claim, discusses the rights of Missouri accident victims. To discuss your own case, contact Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys and ask to schedule a free consultation with a Kansas City car accident attorney.
