How Can I Avoid Common Complications After My Joint Replacement Surgery?

Understanding the risks is the first step toward prevention. The most common issues after joint surgery include:

• Infection (at the incision site or deep within the joint)
• Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism)
• Joint dislocation or instability
• Implant loosening or wear over time
• Stiffness and reduced mobility
• Delayed wound healing

These are the leading complications after hip replacement surgery and complications after knee replacement surgery. Thankfully, they are rare—especially when surgery is performed by experienced consultants using minimally invasive techniques and enhanced recovery pathways.

Infection is a serious but preventable hip replacement complication. Prevention starts before the operation and continues through recovery.

Tips:

• Follow wound care instructions carefully
• Keep the incision clean and dry
• Avoid soaking in water (baths, pools) until cleared by your consultant
• Look out for redness, swelling, or discharge and report any concerns

At Orthopaedic Innovation, our UK infection rate is 0% due to strict sterile techniques and early same-day discharge via our Kley Rapid Hip pathway.

For more detailed information on preventing infections after joint replacement surgery, you can refer to resources from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).

Blood clots are one of the more serious hip surgery complications, but they are largely avoidable.

Watch for signs like:

• Swelling or pain in the leg
• Sudden breathlessness or chest discomfort

To help prevent clots:

• Stay mobile—take short walks as advised
• Wear compression stockings
• Keep hydrated
• Follow your medication plan, especially anticoagulants if prescribed

For comprehensive guidance on preventing and treating blood clots after joint replacement surgery, consult the Stop the Clot resource.

Many people ask: “How soon can I walk after a hip or knee replacement?” With our Kley Rapid Hip Approach, most patients are encouraged to start walking within hours of surgery. This is one of the key parts of reducing complications and speeding up healing.

In Wynne’s case, he was back on his feet “in 2 hours!”

You can also hear from many more patients about their recovery journey on our Patient Testimonial page. 

Prehabilitation, or pre-surgery physiotherapy, significantly reduces risks of post knee replacement complications and improves outcomes for hip surgeries.

Key benefits of prehab:

• Stronger muscles support better outcomes
• Improves cardiovascular readiness
• Reduces surgical risks (especially if you quit smoking or manage conditions like diabetes)

We include a personalised prehab plan for every Kley Rapid Hip and knee replacement patient. 

For more insights into the benefits of prehabilitation, you can explore studies from the JAMA Network.

Patients commonly search “What not to do after a hip/knee replacement?” - Here are some dos and don'ts to help keep your recovery on the right track.

Don’t:

• Smoking or alcohol (slows healing)
• Ignoring symptoms or skipping physiotherapy
• Overexerting yourself too soon
• Lifting heavy weights or twisting the joint abruptly (unless cleared)

Do:

• Follow your physio plan
• Keep all follow-up appointments
• Prioritise sleep, hydration, and good nutrition
• Ask your care team if unsure

Another common query is: “How long is recovery after a joint replacement?” Of course, recovery varies by patient and procedure.

• With the Kley Rapid Hip Approach: Most patients walk unaided within days and return to work or normal activities in 2–4 weeks
• With traditional surgery: Crutches or restricted movement for up to 6 weeks is common, with longer recovery timelines

For a detailed recovery timeline and tips, refer to this Healthline article.

You should contact your consultant immediately if you experience:

• High fever or persistent chills
• Unusual pain or swelling
• Difficulty breathing
• Issues with your surgical wound

Orthopaedic Innovation patients can always reach us directly. For non-urgent questions, there are various sources available on our webpage.

Yes. Our Kley Rapid Hip programme is based on minimally invasive principles; smaller incisions, preserved muscle tissue, and faster mobilisation. This greatly reduces:

• Infection risk
• Blood loss
• Dislocation
• Time under anaesthetic
• Recovery time

You can read more about Kley Rapid Hip here.