Artificial knee surgery, more commonly called knee replacement surgery, is a treatment utilized to alleviate chronic or severe knee pain in patients. This procedure involves surgical replacement of the damaged knee bones with new, artificial knee bones. Patients should talk with a physician about artificial knee surgery complications before having this procedure performed.
Knee Instability or Stiffness
Patients can develop knee instability or stiffness as a complication after artificial knee surgery, MedlinePlus reports. Scar tissue accumulation around the artificial knee implants can make it difficult for patients to extend, rotate or bend the treated knee. Knee stiffness can also contribute to knee instability, which can interfere with a patient's ability to stand normally. Typically, patients undergo physical therapy after artificial knee surgery to help limit the occurrence or severity of these complications.
Deep Vein Thrombosis
Approximately 40 to 88 percent of people who undergo total artificial knee surgery develop a complication called deep vein thrombosis, UpToDate explains. Deep vein thrombosis is characterized by the appearance of blood clots within the deep veins of the legs. Patients with deep vein thrombosis can experience leg swelling, discoloration, warmth or pain and can have difficulty placing weight on the affected leg. If the blood clot detaches from the leg vein, it can travel to the lungs--a life-threatening condition referred to as pulmonary embolus. Patients who experience pulmonary embolus symptoms such as chest discomfort or breathing difficulties after artificial knee surgery should contact a doctor immediately.
Nerve or Blood Vessel Damage
Nerve or blood vessel damage is a potential complication of artificial knee surgery, MedlinePlus warns. Affected patients can experience sensations of tingling or numbness beneath the site of nerve damage within the leg. Blood vessel damage occurs infrequently, but is typically detected and repaired immediately during artificial knee surgery. Nerve damage complications generally subside as a patient heals from surgery; however, severe nerve damage can cause permanent problems.
Infection
Less than 2 percent of patients develop knee joint infection complications following this surgical procedure, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons reports. Potential symptoms of infection include chills; a fever in excess of 100 degrees F; increasing knee pain; persistent knee swelling or redness; or unusual drainage from the incision site. Patients who develop knee infection complications generally require antibiotic treatment to resolve uncomfortable symptoms.
