Hidden health problems can appear even after elective hip surgeries

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Turns out, even when surgeries are successful, patients report more pain, arthritis, and other ailments.

As per a new study, up to two years following elective, arthroscopic hip surgery, a substantial proportion of patients reported troubling new health issues ranging from sleep problems to arthritis to cardiovascular disease.

While such problems can be transient and diminish as full mobility returns, the findings suggest that patients and doctors should be prepared to manage a variety of complications over time, even as the surgeries themselves are considered a success.

Lead author Daniel Rhon said, "Our study focused on a younger group - current and former military personnel ages 18-50 and compared their medical records both before and after surgery."

Rhon added, "Even among this younger group, the number, and frequency of these hidden complications that arose after elective hip surgery suggests we should be taking a more holistic approach, proactively assessing patients for risks other than the standard surgical complications we more commonly look for."

Rhon and his colleague including senior author Chad Cook, Ph.D., program director of Duke's Doctor of Physical Therapy Program conducted the observational study by examining Military Health System records of 1,870 former and current service members undergoing arthroscopic hip surgery.

In their analysis, they identified incidences of mental health disorders, chronic pain, substance abuse issues, cardiovascular ailments, metabolic syndrome, arthritis and sleep problems that were noted in the patients' medical records both before and after their elective hip surgeries.

"Hip arthroscopy is becoming more common even among younger people, and it can be quite successful in resolving chronic, painful conditions," said Cook.

Rhon said disruptions in sleep can be particularly problematic. Without proper rest, the sense of pain escalates, leading to a negative spiral of fatigue and pain that then depresses mood, energy levels, and general health.

The full findings are present in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.