Risks of knee arthroplasty
Complications can occur with any surgery, so you need to be aware of potential risks, but also keep them in perspective.
A few of the possible complications include:
- The wound or new joint can get infected, so antibiotics will be prescribed if this happens. In rare but serious cases, the knee joint may need to be removed
- Blood clots can form in deep veins of the leg (deep vein thrombosis or DVT) and pelvis after surgery. Your surgeon will prescribe drugs to reduce this risk, and you will need to wear compression stockings and also exercise
- Implants can loosen, due to wear and tear. Most artificial parts last at least 10 years, but younger, more active patients may need further (revision) surgery
- Surgery can create scar tissue which then contracts to tighten the soft tissues around the knee, making it hard to bend the joint. Physiotherapy can alleviate this
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