- As with any major surgery, infections can occur after a knee replacement. Infections can develop in the days or weeks after the surgery, in some cases causing the implanted joint to be removed. IV antibiotics are given to patients who develop infections.
- Blood clots are a common risk factor after knee replacement surgery. Physicians will typically give the patient blood thinning medications to prevent the development of DVT (deep venous thrombosis). Blood clots can be deadly if it were to travel to other areas of the body, blocking off blood and possibly causing a stroke or attack.
- As the knee heals, scar tissue forms around the skin and in the joint. As this scar tissue increases, it contracts, which can cause the leg to stiffen. Physical therapy begins shortly after knee replacement surgery to break up scar tissue and aid in the movement of the leg.
- As time passes, artificial implanted joints may wear down and loosen. In these cases, a replacement is put in place. This is a more complicated surgery than an original replacement, and the replaced implant may not last as long as the original implant.
- Although rare, nerve damage in the muscles can occur. It can recover, however, in up to 12 months. Loss of sensation around the knee following replacement surgery can take a few months to repair.
- Some patients may have an allergy to the implanted joint if it is made of metal. If allergies to metal are suspected, tests should be done prior to the surgery. Metal allergies are rare.
- Occasionally, healing may be delayed around the knee due to skin deterioration. The skin may die after surgery, causing additional wound care treatments. Grafting and muscle rotation may be required to prevent infection.
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