Total knee replacement surgery is performed on people who have severe knee damage, according to Medline Plus. During total knee replacement, the surgeon removes damaged cartilage and bone from the surface of the knee joint and replaces it with a metal or plastic artificial prosthesis. While total knee replacement can relieve pain and increase mobility, it can also limit participation in activities such as jogging and high-impact sports. Complications are rare, but it is important to know any risks associated with the procedure.
Blood Clots
The most common complication associated with total knee replacement is blood clots. Following surgery, some people develop blood clots in their legs due to limited movement during recovery. Most of the time the blood clots are easily treated and do not serious complications, but occasionally, the blood clots loosen from the blood vessels and travel through the heart to the lungs, resulting life-threatening complications and, in some cases, death. Approximately one out of several hundred people experience blood clots after total knee replacement, according to Los Angeles's Hip and Knee Institute. Treatment generally consists of blood thinning medications such as Coumadin, heparin or Lovenox, compressive calf pumps and leg exercises to get the blood circulating in the legs.
Excessive Bleeding
People who have total knee replacement are at risk of bleeding excessively following the surgery, according to Los Angeles's Hip and Knee Institute. Blood thinning medications such as heparin or warfarin are administered after surgery to prevent blood clots from forming in the legs. These blood thinners can cause the surgical site to bleed for several additional days. In addition, damage to the blood vessels surrounding the knee during the surgery can cause internal bleeding, according to Dr. William Kurtz. A small amount of bleeding is to be expected following surgery, but severe bleeding that worsens or continues for a prolonged amount of time may signal internal bleeding. The bleeding is usually temporary, but in some severe cases, the surgical site may need to be reopened in order to drain excess blood.
Nerve Damage
A rare complication associated with total knee replacement is nerve damage. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons states that a small percentage of people experience nerve damage as a result of total knee replacement. Nerve damaged usually occurs when the peroneal nerve, or the nerve responsible for movement and sensation in the lower leg, foot and toes, is injured during surgery, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. When nerve damage does occur, the injured nerve usually recovers within 6 to 12 months after the surgery, according to Los Angeles's Hip and Knee Institute. A person may experience numbness around the affected knee when the nerves close to the skin surface are accidentally cut during the procedure. The loss of sensation usually returns within a few months, but in some cases, the nerve damage may be permanent.
References
- The Hip and Knee Institute: Complications of Knee Replacement Surgery
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Common Peroneal Nerve Dysfunction-Overview
- American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons: Total Knee Replacement
- William Hurtz Joint Replacement: Total Knee Replacement
- Medline Plus: Knee Replacement
