It is important to understand that there are risks associated with any major surgical procedure and total joint replacement is no exception. Although the occurrence of these complications is low in number, each patient needs to be informed of these possible risks prior to surgery. In all cases discussion between the patient and the treating physician is imperative to put possible complications into proper perspective for a specific patient.

Death

The risk of death is present in any major procedure requiring anesthesia and blood transfusion. The risk of death in a patient undergoing a total joint replacement is 1 in 750 - 1,000 cases. The specific risk for each individual is dependent on their general medical condition, their age, and the difficulty of the surgical procedure performed. There are other risks involved with total joint replacement which are somewhat larger than the risk of death.