All surgeries have risks of complications, even the simplest procedures. Most knee replacement surgeries are very successful, and the risk of complications occurring is actually quite rare. However, if complications do occur, some can be minor problems such as loss of motion or minor nerve damage, but others can be quite serious, such as damage to arteries or a pulmonary embolism, and will require additional surgery and hospitalization.
Blood Clots
The most common complication of knee replacement surgery is blood clots in the blood vessels in the legs. If the clots stay in the legs, it's a minor problem. However, the clots could become a pulmonary embolism if they dislodge and travel through the vessels.
Infection
There is about a 0.5 percent risk of infection after a knee replacement. Most operating rooms take extra precautions in sterilizing equipment and ensuring that the air is also filtered to prevent bacteria from entering via the incision. Some patients are also prescribed antibiotics as a secondary measure.
Prosthetic Loosening/Failure
Over time, the prosthetic may wear out and loosen from the joint. On occasion, the prosthetic may actually fail to set. New prosthetic technology has helped this issue, but most knee replacements only last an average of 20 years.
Wound Healing
Occasionally, the incision wound has difficulty healing, especially in obese patients. Parts of the skin may even die and require grafting if the problem is not attended to.
Nerve Damage
Nerve damage is a possibility with any surgery. The most common nerve affected in a knee replacement is the peroneal nerve, which controls the muscles that bring the foot upwards. In addition, sometimes the tiny nerves in the skin around the knee are cut, which causes the knee to feel numb and have a tingling sensation. Most nerve damage corrects itself within 6 to 12 months.
Loss of Range of Motion
Some patients develop excessive scar tissue around the prosthetic and incision, which constricts how much the knee can bend and flex. Rigorous physical therapy can usually correct any scar tissue build-up.
Arterial Injury
Arteries in the leg are rarely injured during surgery, but it is a possible complication. If an artery is cut, it can be repaired but only if it is detected in time. If not, the leg may have to be amputated.
Tags: knee replacement, most common, pulmonary embolism, scar tissue, Some patients