Knee replacement surgery, or knee arthroplasty, is done to relieve the pain in knee joints that are severely diseased. It also helps in restoring the function of the knee. In knee replacement surgery, a surgeon removes the damaged bone and cartilage from the thighbone, shinbone, and kneecap and replaces these areas with artificial joints made of high-grade plastics and polymers and metal alloys. Several complications can occur during this surgery, according to American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.
Knee Infection
The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons states that knee joint infection is a complication of knee replacement surgery. Infection can occur even years after the surgery. MayoClinic.com reports that bacteria can travel through the individual's bloodstream and cause infection at the site of the surgery.
Symptoms of infection include a fever higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit accompanied with shaking chills. The knee make leak drainage or grow swollen and tender. Redness can also occur at the surgical site, and the individual may experience pain. If the knee gets infected, surgery will be required to remove the artificial parts, and antibiotics may be administered. Once the infection has been treated, doctors must typically perform more knee surgery.
Blood Clots
The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons says that blood clots are the most common immediate complication of knee replacement surgery. These blood clots usually occur in the veins of the leg due to the patient being kept in an immobile position post surgery, which decreases blood flow.
Blood clots form on the walls of the veins and can be deadly if they break off and travel to the lungs. A solid prevention program can help reduce the chances of this complication. The patient is usually given warfarin or intravenous heparin to decrease the risks of blood clots formation.
Wearing Out of The Implants
It is also possible that the bearing surfaces of the implants may wear out or the components may become loose, reports American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. These issues can cause the new knee joint to fail. The daily stress that the artificial knee has to go through typically causes the wear and tear. MayoClinic.com states that the chances of knee failure are higher in individuals who have had the surgery at a young age.
