POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS AFTER KNEE JOINT SURGERY

The complication rate following total knee replacement is very low. Serious complications, such as a knee joint infection, occur in less than 0.5 percent of patients.

Preventing Infection The most common causes of infection following total knee replacement surgery are from bacteria (germs) that enter the bloodstream during dental procedures, urinary tract infections, or skin infections. These bacteria can lodge around your knee replacement site and cause an infection.

Blood Clots or thrombosis or DVT in the leg veins is a potential complication of knee replacement surgery. Your Orthopaedic surgeon will outline a prevention program, which may include periodic elevation of your legs, lower leg exercises to increase circulation, support stockings, and medication to thin your blood.

Avoiding Falls A fall during the first few weeks after surgery can damage your new knee and may result in a need for further surgery. Stairs are a particular hazard until your knee is strong and mobile. You should use a cane, crutches, a walker, handrails, or someone to help you until you have improved your balance, flexibility, and strength. Your surgeon and physiotherapist will help you to decide what aides will be required following surgery and when those aides can safely be discontinued. In the modern age, risk following a major operation is less than the risk involved in traveling on the roads in India.