Complications

During the operation, fluid is constantly pumped into the hip joint at low pressure. Some of this fluid escapes into the surrounding tissues, leading to a degree of swelling (usually in the upper thigh) after surgery. Some of this fluid may leak out of the surgical cuts over the first day or two after surgery – this is normal and should stop unaided. 

Deep infection in the joint is very rare. Superficial wound infection is uncommon, but can occur. Typically this will lead to pain and redness around the surgical scars, and occasionally some mild discharge. Pain around the scars is normal for a few days after surgery, but if you notice worsening redness, pain or discharge then you should seek medical attention; these superficial infections generally completely resolve with a simple course of oral antibiotics.

During the procedure, traction is applied to the joint and a padded post is used  between the legs as counter-traction. As a result, some patients can have a sensation of numbness or decreased sensation in the skin around the groin, leg or foot. This usually resolves fully, but can take up to a few weeks. Sometimes bruising and swelling also can occur, but it is rarely severe.

Although very rare,  blood clots can occur after  surgery, and can be serious. We take steps to avoid blood clots, including early mobility after surgery.   We also advise patients taking HRT or the oral contraceptive pill  to cease medicating for 6 weeks prior to surgery, especially if there has been any previous history of blood clots. Patients with a previous clotting history  are usually prescribed  blood thinning medication for 4 weeks after surgery to lessen the risk of repeat clotting 

Direct damage to main nerves or vessels is extremely uncommon, but can occur. More commonly there is some mild local bruising around the scars that typically resolves within a couple of weeks. 

Very rare events include damage to the blood supply of the hip leading to avascular necrosis, deep hip joint infection, and fracture of the hip. Cases have been reported of instrument breakage within the hip joint, which can lead to a larger operation being necessary to remove the broken parts if they cannot be removed arthroscopically.