Knee surgery is a complicated and painful surgery. Recovery from this surgery is a long and hard road, but knowing some of the complications you may come across can mentally prepare you for the worst possible.
Infection
Infection from a knee surgery is rare, but it is higher than other surgeries. This can occur if bacteria enters the wound through the air, or from the operating instruments. Many contemporary surgeries have lowered the rate of infection by providing clean air filters, and the sterilization of equipment.
Blood Clots
Blood clotting, also called phlebitis, is the most common complication of knee surgery. If the clots stay in the area of the legs, it is a minor problem, but if the blood clots loosen they can cause blood poisoning, move to the heart and even the lungs. Blood thinning tablets can can break up these free floating clots, but can also cause wounds to open.
Wounds
Sometimes after knee surgery, the skin over the knee does not heal properly. Due to the location of the incision, movement of the leg and knee can cause tearing. This can be prevented through slow introduction of exercise, and if the wound will not heal, skin grafting over the wound.
Nerves
Nerve damage is rare but can occur after knee surgery. It usually does not effect the entire leg, but can cause the nerves that are responsible for raising the foot up towards the ceiling to falter. This complication can usually be reversed through therapy.
Arteries
This is a very serious complication possible during knee surgery. The arteries in the leg are placed behind the knee, and it is possible that during surgery one can be damaged. If this occurs, further surgery by a vascular surgeon is required.
Range of Motion
After knee surgery, the ability to move your knee in its former range of motion can be seriously compromised. This can manifest in a difficulty to bend the knee or straighten the leg completely. This is caused by scarring within the knee joint.
Pain
Pain is the most likely complication after any surgery, and due to the range of motion involved in using your legs, knee pain can be the most acute of all. This can be solved through physiotherapy and time for recovery.
Tags: knee surgery, after knee, surgery, range motion