All surgical procedures have risks, despite the highest standards of practice. While every attempt is made to minimise risks, complications can occur that may have permanent effects.

Please ask questions if you are unsure or need more clarification as it is important that you have enough information to fully weigh up the benefits and risks of surgery.

General risks of surgery include:

· Allergies to anaesthetic agents, antiseptic solutions, suture materials or dressings

· Pain and discomfort around the incisions

· Nausea, typically from the anaesthetic, this usually settles down quickly

· Bleeding from the incisions

· Separation of wound edges

· Slow healing – most likely to occur in smokers and people with diabetes

· Wound infections

· Blood Clots (Deep Vein Thrombosis or DVT, Pulmonary Embolism or PE)

Specific complications for THR, Revision THR, TKR/UKR, Revision TKR/UKR

See: Thrombosis prevention

If you have any worries discuss with your surgeon as soon as possible*. This is especially important if your pain is not well controlled or if you develop a fever or worsening pain and swelling. Complications include blood clots in the leg and infection and both are serious and should be treated immediately in hospital.

I will ensure you have my mobile phone number prior to discharge from hospital. Please do not hesitate to contact me at any time if you are concerned. If I am immediately unavailable, I will call you back as soon as I get the message.