Potential Knee Replacement Complications

There are both short- and long-term complications that can arise from a total knee replacement. All surgeries carry the risk of anesthetic mishaps and excessive bleeding. There is also a small (less than 3 percent) risk of infection immediately after the surgery. Antibiotics are routinely given to patients in the first day after the surgery to lessen the risk. However, infection remains a risk long after the surgery has been performed. If the infection can't be controlled, the implant will have to be removed and replaced.

Of course, one serious long-term complication is that the implant itself will deteriorate with time, especially if its bearer is physically active. Although there are lifestyle choices that can extend the life of the implant, such as weight loss and avoidance of high-impact activities, the implant is still going to wear out eventually, especially if the recipient is middle-aged or even younger.

Since so many operations are performed each year, most facilities that offer the surgery aren't only skilled at their craft, but well practiced. However, it's not rare for a replacement knee to be inserted with an alignment that leads to increased wear and strain on the implant, leading to discomfort or a dislocation of the artificial joint.

Most joint failures will be caused by the implant loosening from the bones. This is caused by degeneration of the bone tissue. The joint is lined by a thin layer of tissue called a synovial membrane. The synovial membrane breaks down foreign matter in the joint and provides lubrication. The synovial membrane can become inflamed, the joint fills with excess fluid, and the extra force this generates during joint movement begins to wear away at the bone tissue. If you have synovitis, your knee will feel warm and look puffy.

Take heart, though -- only about one patient in 50 will have significant problems as a result of a total knee replacement

Source: Mayo Clinic

Meniscal Tears

Menisci tear in different ways. Tears are noted by how they look, as well as where the tear occurs in the meniscus. Common tears include longitudinal, parrot-beak, flap, bucket handle, and mixed/complex.

Your knee is the largest joint in your body and one of the most complex. Because you use it so much, it is vulnerable to injury. Because it is made up of so many parts, many different things can go wrong.

Meniscal tears are among the most common knee injuries. Athletes, particularly those who play contact sports, are at risk for meniscal tears. However, anyone at any age can tear a meniscus. When people talk about torn cartilage in the knee, they are usually referring to a torn meniscus.

Causes:

Sudden meniscal tears often happen during sports. Players may squat and twist the knee, causing a tear. Direct contact, like a tackle, is sometimes involved.

Older people are more likely to have degenerative meniscal tears. Cartilage weakens and wears thin over time. Aged, worn tissue is more prone to tears. Just an awkward twist when getting up from a chair may be enough to cause a tear, if the menisci have weakened with age.

Source:

American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons

Wikipedia

Physical Therapy after Total Knee Replacement

Physical therapy is an extremely important part of rehabilitation and requires full participation by the patient for optimal outcome. Patients can begin physical therapy 48 hours after surgery. Some degree of pain, discomfort, and stiffness can be expected during the early days of physical therapy. Knee immobilizers are used in order to stabilize the knee while undergoing physical therapy, walking, and sleeping. They may be removed under the guidance of the therapist for various portions of physical therapy.

A unique device that can help speed recovery is the continuous passive motion (CPM) machine. The CPM machine is first attached to the operated leg. The machine then constantly moves the knee through various degrees of range of motion for hours while the patient relaxes.

Patients will start walking using a walker and crutches. Eventually, patients will learn to walk up and down stairs and grades. A number of home exercises are given to strengthen thigh and calf muscles.

Rehabilitation (rehab) after a knee replacement is intensive. The main goal of rehab is to allow you to bend your knee at least 90 degrees-enough to do daily activities, such as walking, climbing stairs, sitting in and getting up from chairs, and getting in and out of a car. Most people can get considerably more bending than 90 degrees after surgery. But one of the factors that affects how much bend you get after surgery is how much bend you had before surgery. To get the most benefit from your surgery, it is very important that you take part in physical therapy both while you are in the hospital and after you go home from the hospital.

Sources:

http://www.medicinenet.com/total_knee_replacement/page3.htm

http://arthritis.webmd.com/knee-replacement-surgery