Complications of surgery are uncommon, but are a risk of any operation however small. This section gives a brief overview of possible complications for some common types of surgery. Each case however will be discussed on an individual basis. The whole process of looking after a patient and trying to reduce possible risks, starts at the first consultation, getting to know a patient and their aspirations. Excellent surgical techniques and meticulous attention to detail are employed to reduce risks. Pre-operative prophylactic antibiotics are given prior to starting many operations to reduce the risk of infection.

Thrombo-embolic (TED) stockings are worn, and post-operative heparin are sometimes given to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis(DVT) and pulmonary embolus(PE). Following discharge after joint replacements, oral anticoagulants are prescribed again to reduce risk of blood clots, for 10 days after TKR, and usually 28 days after THR.

The specific risks to each procedure are listed in that particular section.