Being aware of the signs of hip implant complications will help you to know when to seek medical help.

Your hip implant may have complications because the:

• Hip joint is moved the wrong way
• Joint surface wears away
• Bone wears away
• Implant becomes loose
• Replacement parts break or fracture
• The cement used to fix the hip cracks or loosens

Implant complications may include one or more of the following signs:

• New or recurrent pain in the groin, hip, buttock or thigh
• Pain with walking
• Pain with rising from a sitting position
• Weakness in the leg
• Decreased movement of the hip joint
• Decreased ability to stand on the leg
• Redness and/or tenderness over the joint
• Gradual or sudden shortening of the leg

Contact your surgeon right away if you believe you are having complications with your hip implant.

Your surgeon will examine your hip and leg. You will probably be asked to have an x-ray or scan of the joint. Your surgeon will decide what is causing the complications and talk to you about treatment options.