Surgery can be a traumatic event in ones life especially if you deal with complications after the operation. In any surgical operation, risks are always present and they can lead to debilitating conditions. Not excluded from that are patients who had DePuy Pinnacle Hip Replacement devices that are defective and had to undergo revision surgery. The affected patients filed DePuy Pinnacle lawsuits that could cost Johnson and Johnson $1 Billion or more. Hip Replacement is done to replace the damaged joints and cartilage with prosthetic devices. Studies have shown that hip replacement is generally successful and only a small number had complications and that is usually when theyre not in the hospital anymore.
Common Complications in Total Hip Replacement
Blood Clots
The formation of blood clots can develop and may reach the lungs which can be a potential cause of pulmonary embolism. Aspirin and other medications with similar mechanism of action is given to the patient for prevention.
Infection
The surgical wound may be an entry for bacteria which could potentially lead to infection of the wound and the joints. The surgical site must always be clean and should regularly be checked. This doesnt usually occur in healthy individuals but in people with underlying conditions like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis,chronic liver conditions and those taking corticosteroids. The prosthetic devices may also be a risk for infection in the long run. Antibiotics are generally prescribed if the patient needs to have certain procedures such as dental works.
Dislocation of the Hip
Since the implants are smaller than the normal joints, they can be easily dislodged when taking a certain type of position. Your doctor will inform you of the positions to be avoided such as bringing the knees up to your chest. Another option to avoid this is by wearing a body brace.
Bone deposits in Soft Tissues Around the Joints
Heterotopic ossification is the term for this condition. This can decrease the individuals range of motion and needs to be corrected with surgery if deemed disruptive of the persons daily activities.
Loosening of the Artificial Hip Joint Parts
This doesnt usually show signs unless it is severe and can only be identified with X-ray tests. A revision surgery or a second hip replacement is needed to correct this problem. This is the most common complaint of individuals who were able to have a DePuy Pinnacle Hip Replacement device as their implant.
Common Complications in Total Hip Replacement
Blood Clots
The formation of blood clots can develop and may reach the lungs which can be a potential cause of pulmonary embolism. Aspirin and other medications with similar mechanism of action is given to the patient for prevention.
Infection
The surgical wound may be an entry for bacteria which could potentially lead to infection of the wound and the joints. The surgical site must always be clean and should regularly be checked. This doesnt usually occur in healthy individuals but in people with underlying conditions like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis,chronic liver conditions and those taking corticosteroids. The prosthetic devices may also be a risk for infection in the long run. Antibiotics are generally prescribed if the patient needs to have certain procedures such as dental works.
Dislocation of the Hip
Since the implants are smaller than the normal joints, they can be easily dislodged when taking a certain type of position. Your doctor will inform you of the positions to be avoided such as bringing the knees up to your chest. Another option to avoid this is by wearing a body brace.
Bone deposits in Soft Tissues Around the Joints
Heterotopic ossification is the term for this condition. This can decrease the individuals range of motion and needs to be corrected with surgery if deemed disruptive of the persons daily activities.
Loosening of the Artificial Hip Joint Parts
This doesnt usually show signs unless it is severe and can only be identified with X-ray tests. A revision surgery or a second hip replacement is needed to correct this problem. This is the most common complaint of individuals who were able to have a DePuy Pinnacle Hip Replacement device as their implant.
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