The knees are simple hinge joints (much like the elbow) that have to absorb the strain of supporting most of the body's weight. Over time, the cartilage in the knee joint can wear away, which then can cause the bones in the joint to become deformed. This type of knee problem may eventually need to be treated with a knee replacement procedure, which can cause certain complications.
Blood Clots
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the most common complication that results from total knee replacement surgery is blood clots. Blood clots occur as a result of poor circulation in the legs, particularly in the veins where the blood does not flow quickly. As a result, the blood can coagulate in the veins, causing blood clots. Blood clots can form particularly easily in the legs because the veins there require muscle contraction for proper blood flow. Blood clots can form after total knee replacement because the affected leg is restricted during the recovery process. Blood clots in the leg can cause swelling in the leg. There is also the risk that the blood clot can travel throughout the body and block an artery in the heart or the brain.
Rare Complications
As with any surgery, there is a certain risk of severe complications. According to the Mayo Clinic, some of the complications are a result of anesthesia. With any sort of surgery that requires anesthesia, there is the chance that the patient can go into shock (which is caused by low blood flow), which can result in brain damage or heart problems. Another complication from the procedure is infection. Infection is a possible complication of any surgical procedure, especially ones that involve prosthetic implants. Although the surgery is done in a surgical environment, there is the chance that the incisions and the leg can be contaminated with bacteria, which can lead to a serious infection that can damage tissue and cause sepsis, which is the result of the bacteria spreading into the bloodstream.
Replacement Joint Problems
Although the materials used in the prosthetic joint are designed to be sturdy, over time the stress of daily use and supporting weight can cause wear and tear on the materials. This can cause the prosthetic joint to become damaged or the components to become loose. Sometimes this can also cause damage to the surrounding tissue, which can lead to scarring. The scar tissue will then restrict the movement of the joint, limiting flexibility. Over time, the prosthetic knee joint may need to be replaced, which will require an additional surgery.
