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Medical Author:

B Sonny Bal, MD

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Risks

Every surgery has risks. Minimally invasive surgery is still associated with complications, such as the following:

• Improper placement of the components
• Nerve injury
• Fractures during the procedure
• Blood loss
• Blood clots after surgery
• Infection after surgery

In addition, minimally invasive procedures may take longer to perform than traditional surgery. A person who undergoes any type of hip replacement surgery still needs to follow certain precautions and adjust to a lifestyle that accommodates the prosthetic device in the body. Be sure to ask the doctor about these complications. The doctor will know about complications specifically associated with minimally invasive hip replacement surgery. If a person considering a minimally invasive hip replacement is not comfortable with communications from the doctor, he or she should seek a second opinion. Unrealistic expectations, a lack of information and preparation, and a failure to become an active and intelligent participant in the surgical procedure can lead to disappointment after any surgery.

Different people react very differently to the same procedure, depending on their body weight, associated medical conditions, family support, mental health, and other unpredictable factors. Therefore, deciding to undergo minimally invasive hip replacement surgery must be an informed decision made with the guidance of the doctor, after all the facts are taken into consideration.