What Are the Risks of Hip Replacement Surgery?

Hip replacement surgery can be life-changing, restoring movement and relieving pain. But many patients naturally ask: “What are the risks of hip replacement surgery?” At Orthopaedic Innovation, we address that question head-on through our Kley Rapid Hip approach; a modern, precise, and fast-track technique that consistently delivers low complication rates.

This comprehensive guide explores the most common hip replacement complications; their likelihood, prevention strategies, and why our method is designed to outperform the norm.

Infections can occur when bacteria enter the surgical site during or soon after surgery; especially during lengthy procedures or with large incisions.

• According to the UK National Joint Registry, 0.62% of primary hip replacements develop infections requiring revision surgery 
• Globally, infection rates typically fall between 1–2%

You can read more in this PubMed1 study. 

How we minimise this risk:

• Highly sterile operating theatre
• Minimally invasive hip replacement completed in under 30 minutes
• Pre-loaded, sealed implants to eliminate contamination risk

At 3 infections in 7,000 cases (0.0004%), our patients experience an incredibly low chance of infection.

Yes. Venous thromboembolism (VTE), which includes deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), is a known risk. Clots form when reduced mobility slows blood flow in the legs after surgery.

• UK VTE rates post-op range from 0.5% to 1.2% even with prophylaxis 
• Without prevention, DVT may affect up to 54% of patients 
• Early mobilisation can slash DVT risk by over 30 times

Our DVT prevention strategy includes:

• Patients walking within two to three hours post-surgery
• Anticoagulants and compression stockings

Our typical DVT rate falls well below 1%.

Acta Orthopaedica² research delves into the benefits of early activity for DVT.

Hip dislocation happens in 1–3% of traditional procedures, often due to imprecise implant placement or weakened soft tissue.

But thanks to:

• Software-assisted implant planning
• Dual-consultant approach
• Modern surgical methods

We’ve recorded zero dislocations with the Kley Rapid Hip in the UK.

A common concern after hip replacement is leg length difference. While often temporary and due to soft tissue tension, persistent imbalance can affect comfort and gait.

We reduce this risk through our custom implants and intraoperative measurement checks

Most patients report no noticeable difference, and minor discrepancies are resolved through targeted physiotherapy.

Yes, especially in younger or highly active patients. However:

• Today’s premium implants typically last 15–25 years or more
• Surgical precision and optimal alignment reduce mechanical stress

We use:

• Software-guided implant modelling
• Durable, modern prostheses

Learn all about our implants in our blog: What are hip replacements made of?

Our long-term outcomes show excellent implant survival and patient satisfaction.

This is a rare but recognised risk in hip surgery. Damage could result in numbness, weakness, or local bleeding.

Risk reduction comes from:

• A minimally invasive approach
• Surgical expertise with hundreds of cases
• Intraoperative neuromonitoring when needed

Operating midway between major nerves (femoral & sciatic), we reduce risk; Kristian Kley has never seen a nerve injury with the Kley Rapid Hip approach.

Traditional general anaesthesia may cause:

• Grogginess
• Nausea
• Temporary cognitive symptoms

With the Kley Rapid Hip, we use:

• A light general anaesthetic
• Local nerve blocks to improve comfort and reduce sedation time

This means a smoother, faster recovery and minimal side effects.

Pioneered and developed by Dr. Kley — as an evolution from the Rottinger approach — features:

• No muscle cutting and minimal scarring
• Surgery completed in under 30 minutes
• Over 95% of patients discharged within 24 hours
• 90% walk without crutches within hours
• No movement restrictions post-op

Read up on the Kley Rapid Hip in detail here