Short Hip Stem Prostheses
Despite experience and the high standard of quality of today’s prostheses, complications may arise during surgery, whereby they occur to a low degree because of the state of current knowledge. The following risks can be cited in this connection:
Infections
Microbes and bacteria can infect both soft tissue as well as the prosthesis itself. As a rule, superficial infections can be treated and cured through the use of antibiotics. In the case of a more profound infection affecting the prosthesis, removal of the prosthesis is inevitable in most cases in order to treat the infection effectively.
Luxation
Luxation is described as dislocation of the femoral head from the acetabulum. This occurs most frequently within the first 6 weeks after surgery.
Differences in leg lengths
Even prior to surgery, differences in leg lengths are evident in most patients. This difference can be counteracted by using different head lengths, but the most important goal is stability of the joint, which is accomplished via the soft tissue situation. Any differences can be equalized by shoe inserts.
Bone fractures
So-called fissures can occur during surgery. They can be attributed to the insertion of bone rasps for the prosthesis during surgery. An appropriate treatment plan will be followed until the bone has healed.
But bone fractures can occur even after surgery, either from a fall or an accident. In this case, surgical intervention cannot be avoided most of the time.
Nerve damage
Nerve cores can be bruised or negatively affected by holding the soft tissue aside. This will be evident immediately postoperatively if the patient has restricted sensation or in the course of movement. However, in most cases the dysfunction is temporary and goes way after a certain amount of time.