Severe arthritis or injury of the knee can make walking difficult and painful. Most health care providers will recommend conservative measures to help with knee pain. But when conservative measures fail, surgery to help alleviate pain and improve function can help, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Although it is a common procedure, knee surgery is not without complications.
Damage to Nerves and Blood Vessels
Patients who undergo knee surgery are at risk for damage to nerves or blood vessels. For example, patients who have knee joint replacement are subject to peroneal nerve palsy. This nerve injury occurs when there is too much pressure placed on the peroneal nerve, which is a branch of the sciatic nerve that runs down the back of the leg. It supplies movement and sensation to the lower leg, foot and toes. Symptoms of injury include decreased sensation, weakness in the leg and foot drop according to the National Institutes of Health.
Damage to Ligaments, Cartilage or Meniscus
The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage located in the knee. It serves as a shock-absorption system, provides lubrication for the knee joint, and limits the ability to flex and extend the joint. Cartilage is tough elastic connective tissue found in certain joints that forms a buffer between the bones to protect the joint. Ligaments connect the thighbone to the lower leg bones. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, injury to the cartilage, ligaments or meniscus can occur during minimally invasive knee surgery and joint replacement surgery. Damage to any of these structures can produce pain and instability of the knee.
Blood Clots
According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, one of the major risks of surgery on the lower extremities is deep vein thrombosis, or DVT. A DVT is the formation of a clot in the deep venous vessels of the legs that often occurs in the thigh or calf. The most severe risk of a DVT is the threat of a pulmonary embolism, which results when a clot in the leg breaks free and travels to the lungs. The clot blocks the blood flow to the lungs and destroys lung tissue. Pulmonary embolisms can be fatal. Blood clots in the legs also can impair venous blood flow, resulting in significant swelling of the legs and increased pressure in the venous vessels
