Knee replacement surgery is a procedure that involves replacing the diseased or damaged knee (either partially or totally) with a prosthesis. If you have advanced knee arthritis, you may be a good candidate for the procedure.
It is worth noting that, just like any type of surgery, knee replacement surgery has potential risks of complications—something which every patient should know and discuss with their orthopedic surgeon.
If you’re contemplating a knee replacement surgery, make sure to raise any questions and concerns that you may have about this procedure. A good orthopedic surgeon will make sure to provide you with adequate information about this procedure and help you make a well-informed decision.
Below are the risks and complications associated with knee replacement surgeries.
Infection
Albeit very rare, infections are among the most common anticipated complications associated with any type of surgery. Nonetheless, orthopedic surgeons take all necessary precautions to prevent infection: antibiotic prophylaxis is the standard care for joint replacement surgeries.
Over 600,000 knee replacement surgeries are performed each year, and less than two percent develop an infection.
Persistent Pain and Other Discomforts
You can anticipate some pain after surgery, but your doctor will prescribe pain medication and recommend physical therapy which, in time, will improve it.
However, there are patients who report persistent pain, even with physical therapy. This is considered a complication, and it is the reason why you should choose a highly skilled orthopedic surgeon for your knee replacement surgery.
Persistent pain may be ascribed to the placement of the implant—which requires great skill and precision. The pain may be specifically caused either by a loosened implant or a deep infection.
Other discomforts that may persist after surgery include stiffness and a limited range of motion, which may be due to the formation of scar tissues on the surgical site.
Implant Problems
Artificial knee implants are usually made of metal and plastic. Patients with metal allergies may develop an allergic reaction to metal implants. Your medical history, including allergies, therefore have to be taken into account by your orthopedic doctor.
Metal may be the least expensive and durable type of artificial implant, but it’s not the only one available to patients. Ceramic, which is least likely to cause a reaction, is an ideal option if you have metal allergies.
Problems with knee implants may cause difficulty bending the knee and an implant becoming damaged, but this usually occurs long after surgery, possibly due to an injury. Implant problems usually warrant joint revision surgery.
Knee Replacement Surgery in North Dakota
Our highly skilled orthopedic surgeons at The Bone and Joint Center have performed countless successful knee replacement surgeries and have been helping patients restore their knee function since 1974. We combine our decades of experience and expertise with advanced technology to produce exceptional patient outcomes.
To talk to one of our orthopedic surgeons, make an appointment by calling (701) 946-7400 or (866) 900-8650 or use our online request form.
