The knee joint helps support the knee and allows movement of the lower leg. The joint is associated with numerous structures, such as ligaments, tendons and muscles. Any of these structures or the bones of the knee can become damaged by trauma or disease. Some knee injuries require surgery to visualize the problem or repair the damage to the joint. Knee surgery does have some adverse side effects and risks that should be considered prior to the procedure.
Infection
Infection is one of the more dreaded complications of knee surgery, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. The surgeons use sterile equipment and techniques to keep the surgical site as clean as possible. This reduces the chance for infections. However, the surgery does open up the joint and underlying tissues to the external environment and this can lead to infection. Signs of infection include fever, knee tenderness, redness around the knee and swelling of the joint. Most infections are treated with a course of powerful antibiotics.
Blood Clots
A side effect of knee surgery can be the formation of blood clots. Blood clots are clumps of blood cells and other substances that can block blood vessels. Knee surgery can cause the blood to move slowly or become stagnant, and this can cause clots, according to National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Doctors may give patients blood-thinning drugs or special stockings that helps blood move faster during and after surgery.
Knee Stiffness
Immobility or knee stiffness is a possible side effect of knee surgery, reports MayoClinic.com. Knee stiffness may develop due to the damage from the injury or disease, or due to the trauma caused by the surgery. In some cases, complete recovery is possible given time and physical rehabilitation. However, some patients will develop permanent knee stiffness that will reduce the range of motion of their knee.
Injury to Nerves and Blood Vessels
Nerves and blood vessels can become injured during knee surgery, states the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Numerous blood vessels and some nerves are found near the knee joint. Surgeons may accidentally damage these structures during the procedure. This is a rare side effect. Symptoms may include loss of sensation or difficulty moving the lower leg and excessive bleeding. The damage usually resolves over time, and patients will regain full function.
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