Unlike any surgery, total knee replacemnt surgery also has some risks and complications. However, it depends on the health of the patient and other factors. A patient with mutiple medical problems is more vulnerable to complications than a  physically fit person. The common complications of total knee replacemnt surgery are discussed below.

Loosening or Wearing Out Of the Components :

The artificial components used in the total knee replacement surgery have the risk of loosening or wearing out after few years. However, the risk of this complication depends on a number of factors such as – surgery, physical health of the patient, the sturdiness of the bones, the weight of the patient and the design of the prosthesis. Generally the artificial components remain strong for a period of at least 10 years. When the components loss their connectivity, repeat surgery is necessary.

Blood Clots :

Blood clots in the veins in the leg are the most common total knee replacement surgery complication. If the blood clots gets out from legs and travel to the lungs, then it is a serious complication. In clinical terms it is called pulmonary embolism and it has the danger of death of the patient. Doctors prescribe an anticoagulant, such as warfarin (Coumadin) or Lovenox to prevent the blood clots. In addition to anti-clog formation patients can use compressive calf pumps and leg exercises in post surgery period for proper blood circulation through the veins. Blood clots may occur after special precautions.

Periprosthetic Fracture :

It happens more frequently in the case of  aging patients. It can occur during the course of operation and post operation period.

Damage to Nerve and Blood Vessels :

Possibility of damage to nerves and blood vessels is here during the surgery. Temporary numbness may occur due to nerve damage. The lasting period of it’s is usually six to 12 months. This damage can result in loss of limb or even loss of life in most serious cases.

Infection :

Infection after few days after knee replacement surgery is common to patient with rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes. Infection in other parts of the body increases the risk of infection in the surgical area. However it may happen after few years of surgery. An infected wound or gall bladder can produce bacteria into the bloodstream, consequently leading to the infection of the knee. Antibiotics use before surgery is the prevention of it.

Unstability of Kneecap :

Kneecap may become unstable after surgery and dislocate to the outer side of the knee. It is painful and ususally religned by surgery.

The other complications from knee replacement surgery are malformation, loss of motion due to scar tissue formation, complications related to anesthesia and fat embolisms, allergic reactions to the metal parts of the prosthesis, etc.