The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) labels total knee replacements as one of the most significant orthopaedic advances of the last century. That's because successful knee replacement surgeries can alleviate debilitating pain and loss of function for over half a million people every year. The AAOS explains that while complications for knee replacement remain low, with serious problems occurring in under 2% of U.S. patients, you should still be aware of them prior to surgery.
Anesthesia Complications
The Patient Education Institute suggests that complications can arise from the administration of anesthesia during knee replacement surgery. The most serious anesthesia side effects include aspiration pneumonia, breathing problems, stroke, and heart attack.
Blood Clots
According to the AAOS, blood clots in the legs are the leading complication associated with knee replacements. Blood clots anywhere in the body are serious because if they dislodge and travel to the lungs, they are potentially fatal. The risk of blood clots increases the less you move your legs, so preventative measures like performing daily leg exercises, compression stockings, and walking soon after surgery will help reduce your risk.
Leg Injury
Sometimes, vital structures near the knee can be damaged as a result of surgery, explains the Patient Education Institute. The side effects of this damage depend on the structures injured, such as nerves or blood vessels, and vary in severity from a minor loss of sensation to a medically necessary amputation of the lower leg.
Prosthesis Loosening
As with any implant, the hardware in a total knee replacement may loosen after surgery. While the AAOS suggests loosening is rare following the innovation in surgical techniques and implant improvements, it does occasionally still happen. Implant loosening may result in the need for follow-up surgery.
Scarring
Though rare, severe scarring can occur in the knee. If the scarring is bad enough, the end result may be a loss in range of motion.
General Surgical Complications
Knee replacement patients are susceptible to general surgery complications. Two of the most serious include infection at the surgical site and excessive bleeding.
