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Total knee replacement offers life-changing advantages. To achieve this result, patients must accept certain physical limitations, understand a number of significant potential complications and assume some risks.
To maintain and extend the life of the knee joint, it is recommended you do not participate in repetitive, high-impact activities, such as jumping, jogging or volleyball. However, patients with total knee replacements may--and are encouraged to--continue to live an active life. Patients may walk unlimited distances, swim, bike, golf and cross-country ski.
Knee replacements today last longer and are more durable than ever. However, a total knee replacement (as any mechanical device) does not always perform well for a lifetime. Potential problems, such as loosening of the prosthesis or wear of the bearing surfaces, can result in the need for repeat operations. In some cases, these processes can result in bone destruction (osteolysis), which can make revision surgeries more complex.
As with any surgery, there are risks. Your doctor will discuss these risks with you, and they will be discussed during the community class and Patient Education Review. Keep in mind these are rare occurrences.
The risks of total knee replacement that are specific to this operation are: infection, blood clots (within the leg and those that move to the lung), dislocation of the hip, fracture of the femur (thigh bone), leg-length inequality and nerve injury. Your surgeon will discuss and explain the surgery risks during your Patient Education Review.
Total knee replacement is a remarkable procedure that predictably improves patients' quality of life by reducing pain and improving joint function. |
