A total knee replacement operation is performed to relieve pain and restore joint mobility in diseased or damaged knee joints. During the procedure, damaged bone and cartilage are removed and replaced with a prosthetic joint made of metal, plastic and a polymer. Knee replacement surgeries typically require a two- to three-day hospital stay followed by six to eight weeks of physical therapy. Some complications may arise as a result of a total knee replacement.
Blood Clots
Blood clots are the most common complication associated with a total knee replacement, according to the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons. To prevent the formation of post-operative blood clots, a surgeon may order blood thinning medications for the patient to take prior to surgery. In addition to medications, periodic elevation of the legs, support hose, inflatable leg coverings called sequential compression devices, and lower leg exercised may also be utilized.
Infection
Infection is an ongoing risk after a total knee replacement operation, according to MayoClinic.com. An infection may occur in the knee prosthesis at any time. Signs of an infection in the new joint may include increased redness, swelling, pain and tenderness in the knee joint, drainage from the surgical site, fever and chills. If an infection occurs, the prosthetic knee must be removed. The patient is then given antibiotics to kill the infection. Once the infection resolves, another knee replacement operation is performed.
Limited Mobility
Scarring of the knee may occur during a total knee replacement, according to the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons. If scarring occurs, mobility of the knee joint may be limited. Motion may be more limited in patients who experienced limited mobility prior to surgery. In addition to limited mobility, joint stiffness may also occur as a result of scarring.
Prosthesis May Wear Out
MayoClinic.com reports that knee prostheses may wear out over time. Daily stress may cause wearing of the joint surfaces or loosening of its components. Younger, obese male patients have a higher rate of prosthetic wearing than do other patient populations. If a knee prosthesis wears out, it must be removed and a new knee replacement joint must be implanted.
