A knee replacement is a type of surgery in which the damaged bones in the knee are replaced by a synthetic knee joint. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) states that nearly 581,000 knee replacements are performed in the United States each year and that more than 90 percent of those who have had a knee replacement experience a significant reduction in pain and an increase in mobility. However, with all surgeries, there are complications that you should be aware of.
Infection
Infection is a serious complication of a total knee replacement, according to the AAOS. However, this complication occurs in less than 2 percent of those who have this surgery. An infection is always a risk when foreign objects, including synthetic joints, are introduced to the body. The signs to look for in an infection include a red, warm, painful and swollen joint. Drainage may also occur from the incision site. In addition, the Mayo Clinic states that a knee infection can occur years after surgery. Experiencing fever or chills could be a sign of infection from the knee spreading to other parts of the body.
Blood Clots
The AAOS states that the most common complication of total knee replacement surgery is a blood clot in the leg veins. Blood tends to clot during surgery because of damage to blood vessels, and blood clots in the leg veins are dangerous because they can move to the lungs and cause difficulty breathing. The AAOS recommends following the orthopedic surgeon's recommendations to elevate your legs, perform lower leg exercises, wear supports stockings and take medications to thin your blood.
Wear and Tear of the Replacement
Although knee replacements are made from strong synthetic materials, they can require future repair. The AAOS reports that 90 to 95 percent of those with knee replacements will not need repair after a 10-year period. However, alert your orthopedic surgeon if you have noticed a decrease in mobility, are experiencing pain or notice unusual pops or clicks in your knee.
