Arthroscopic knee surgery is usually safe. For instance, the complication rate for arthroscopic repair of the meniscus cartilage in the knee is only 1.3 percent, according to the University of Washington School of Medicine. The risk for complications increases or decreases depending on the extent of the injury or the type of arthroscopic surgery. The most common complications involve nerves on the skin's surface where the incisions are made for the arthroscope. The nerves usually heal by themselves within three months after surgery. Other complications are less common.
Blood Clots
As with any surgery, blood clots can form from arthroscopic knee surgery in the knee or leg that was operated on. Physicians work to prevent clots by having patients wear anti-embolism stockings after surgery. If a blood clot does occur, you will experience pain in your leg. Contact your doctor immediately, and he will admit you to the hospital for blood-thinning medications. Once the clot is under control, you will take blood thinners for three months to lessen the chance a clot will travel to your lungs.
Bleeding
Post-operative bleeding within the knee joint or from injury to a major blood vessel may require additional procedures to repair. The signs of bleeding are significant swelling of the knee and blood leakage from incisions. A vascular surgeon will repair the damaged vessel, or your physician will aspirate the excess blood.
Infection
Although intravenous antibiotics are used during arthroscopic surgery, infections can occur. Signs of infection include fever, chills and a persistent warmth or redness around the incisions or the knee. Skin infections are treated with oral antibiotics. Internal infections of the knee require another arthroscopic procedure to clean the knee and a six-week course of intravenous antibiotics.
Adverse Anesthesia Reaction
As with any surgery, arthroscopic surgery patients can have bad reactions to anesthesia. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, patients can experience breathing problems or allergic reactions. Your surgery team will work to address these situations should they arise.
Nerve Injury
Injury to the major nerves in the knee or leg is a rare complication off knee arthroscopy that can result in numbness to part of the lower leg and foot. Physicians work to prevent his by protecting the nerve while they operate. If the nerve is injured, an additional surgery may be required, and the patient may have to wear a foot brace.
Knee Stiffness and Swelling
Some swelling is common after surgery, but if you knee is arthritic, you could experience chronic swelling caused by excess fluid on the knee. This may require a cortisone injection or removal of the fluid through aspiration.
Ligament Damage
To view the internal knee structures, doctors must move the parts of the knee around during arthroscopic surgery. Ligaments can get stretched if too much pressure is applied. Stretched ligaments usually return to normal with time.
