Pregnancy, Hip Pain, and Total Hip Replacement

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Reproductive Health
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Total hip replacement (THR) in young women (15-45 years) is associated with a higher risk of revision surgery compared to older women (>75 years).
• A significant percentage of women of childbearing age with THR (12-17%) experience pregnancy post-surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and outcomes of pregnancy in women who have undergone total hip replacement.
• To assess the impact of pregnancy and childbirth on the revision rates and complication risks in women with THR.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature and limited studies on women with THR who subsequently became pregnant.
• Analysis of pregnancy complications, pain during pregnancy, and post-childbirth outcomes, including revision rates and implant-related issues (fracture, dislocation, loosening).

Main Results:

• Young women undergoing THR have an increased risk for revision compared to older women.
• Pregnancy in women with THR did not lead to an increased risk of pregnancy complications.
• Of women experiencing hip pain during pregnancy (60%), 21% had persistent pain, with 4% reporting severe pain.
• Childbirth did not increase revision rates or complications, irrespective of delivery mode.

Conclusions:

• Pregnancy and childbirth are generally safe for women with total hip replacement, with no elevated risk of complications or revision surgery.
• While some women may experience transient or persistent hip pain during pregnancy, this does not appear to compromise the implant or lead to adverse outcomes.
• The mode of delivery does not influence revision rates or complications in women with THR.