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Warning-sign checks

Hip joint replacement: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services for sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing up blood, fainting, or severe difficulty breathing.

    These can be signs of a blood clot in the lungs or another emergency.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact your surgical team promptly for increasing wound redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, or pain, especially if accompanied by fever.

    Also seek prompt advice for a wound that opens, new calf pain or swelling, or a sudden change in your ability to walk.

    Sudden severe hip pain, a shortened or twisted leg, or loss of movement may indicate dislocation or fracture and requires urgent assessment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    For routine concerns, such as slow improvement, ongoing swelling, medication questions, or difficulty with exercises, contact the team during normal working hours or discuss them at follow-up.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Hip joint replacement. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.