Risks & Complications

As much as there are benefits of knee replacement surgery, it is also important to have realistic expectations. Firstly, it is important to know that patients won’t feel like they did when they were young and before they had knee arthritis. Their mobility will significantly improve, and the pain will be relieved, but they won’t have a brand-new joint. This is more like an artificial covering of the damaged part of the actual joint to provide a smooth surface that does not rub bone against bone.

It is also essential to keep in mind the complications of knee replacement surgery, which include:

• Infections especially wound infections and secondary infections of the joint itself. They are more likely to happen if you don’t take antibiotics as prescribed, but the latter is very unlikely. You need to take good care of your wound to prevent an infection.
• Blood clots. You probably know that as we age, we start to form blood clots, especially in the legs, which can travel to the heart or the brain, causing a heart attack or stroke. There is a risk that something similar happens after knee replacement surgery. If you’re at high risk, your doctor will give you blood thinning meds to keep you safe.
• Implant problems, because something can go wrong with the implant sometimes. This is not likely to happen unless you don’t follow instructions and abuse physical activity and knee-strengthening exercises.

Next, See who is the right candidate.