Naples Orthopedic Surgeon – Dr. Robert J. Zehr The Zehr Center

I’m very worried because I dislocated my hip two months after a total hip replacement. What are my chances this will happen again?

Recurrent dislocation depends on several things. First, was the doctor, surgeon, or emergency staff able to put the hip back in place without another operation? If yes, that’s in your favor. The hip is more likely to remain stable if it was reduced without surgery.

Second, how long has it been since the dislocation? If you are still within the early postoperative period, your risk is higher than if you are several years past the total hip replacement.

Third, are you having any symptoms to suggest the joint is unstable? Does your leg give out from underneath you? Is there any pain? Any clicking or popping of the joint? If the answer is ‘no’ to all these questions, then your risk of another dislocation is less.

Make sure you talk with your surgeon about these concerns. The knowledge an exam and an X-ray can give goes a long way in reducing your fears.

For more information on this subject, call The Zehr Center for Orthopaedics at 239-596-0100 or visit www.zehrcenter.com.The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.

I heard that total hip replacements dislocate easily. How often does this happen?

Loosening and dislocation of the implant are the two most common problems faced by patients after a total hip joint replacement. The rate of dislocation varies from study to study. One study reports 0.6 percent (fewer than one patient every 100).

Other studies report up to seven percent. A very large study placed this closer to 2 percent. The wide ranges in figures may be explained by who did the surgery. Doctors in large centers or hospitals who do more hip joint replacements have lower rates of dislocation.

Most studies report numbers from these large reviews. However, most hip replacements are done by surgeons who treat fewer patients.

For more information on this subject, call The Zehr Center for Orthopaedics at 239-596-0100 or visit www.zehrcenter.com.The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.