Pain and swelling are one of the most common injuries after surgery.

These states are variable for people according to their different physical conditions.

For most people, the pain gradually decreases in the first few months after surgery.

Some people have persistent pain or experience new types of pain. Research shows that 10 to 20 percent of people still have moderate to severe pain in the long term.

This problem is not always caused by a technical defect or an identifiable problem and therefore cannot be solved by an iterative method.

Swelling pain caused in the surgical site is such that patients will need to take painkillers.

Of course, these painkillers will bring the physical conditions to normal in a short period of time and they will spend the recovery period with less pain.

Bone fracture

It is possible that the bone around the joint that has been replaced breaks after a minor fall.

This usually happens after a few months or years and in people who have weak bones.

This fracture is very rare, but when it does occur, it usually requires another surgery to repair the fracture or replace the joint components.

Bone fractures after knee replacement can occur in the femur, patella or tibia (one of the two lower leg bones).

These fractures are more common in older patients and people with low bone density, such as osteoporosis.

Loose components and misalignment or improper placement of implants can cause bone fractures. It is a medical emergency and requires fast and immediate treatment.

A 2015 study in the Journal of Knee Surgery and Related Research found that the supracondylar region of the femur is the most likely fracture site in the body. This is where the femur connects to the knee.

However, the researchers said these fractures occur in less than half to 2.5 percent of patients who have undergone total knee replacement surgery. These fractures often occur within two to four years after surgery.

Bleeding

Bleeding is another problem that is known to be normal after any type of surgery.

If you have had a knee replacement and bleeding occurs during the surgery, it is not a concern.

The problem is dangerous when the lost blood is so much that the sick person needs a blood transfusion again.

This kind of thing rarely happens for knee joint surgery, but you may see swelling and bruises due to the accumulation of blood under the skin after bleeding during surgery.

Such disorders need more care and finally after the full recovery of these injuries will be resolved.

Injury of nerves and arteries

One of the rare side effects of knee surgery is damage to nerves and arteries.

For various reasons, nerves or blood vessels near the knee joint may be accidentally cut during knee surgery.

If such a disorder occurs, the patients will probably need a second surgery to repair and correct the nerve and blood vessels.

Sensitive nerves are cut, it may cause loss of sensation and movement in the affected area.

This is why it is important for patients to choose the best specialists and surgeons to perform such a sensitive and important surgery so that this surgery can be performed with great precision and sensitivity.

Allergic reactions

Allergic reactions are part of the damage that people may experience after knee joint surgery.

Usually, such sensitivities happen after body reactions to metals such as nickel and chromium.

The anesthesia used during surgery is usually safe, but it can cause side effects. Some of the complications of anesthesia are:

• Nausea and dizziness
• Sore throat
• Drowsiness
• Muscle weakness
• breathing problems
• Hard breathing
• Pain and discomfort
• Shaking

How to manage the complications of knee joint replacement?

Complications of knee joint replacement surgery depend on the severity and type of complication. It is very important to follow the doctor's instructions and communicate with him continuously after the surgery.

Here are some ways to manage the complications of joint replacement:

If necessary, it is better to give your knees and body enough rest. Reduce pain and inflammation by using pillows and ice compresses.

Safety devices such as crutches or support devices can be used to evenly distribute body weight and not put extra pressure on the knee.

After surgery, physical therapy should be a part of people's treatment plan; Because during physical therapy exercises, muscles are strengthened, range of motion and balance are increased, and inflammation is reduced.

Prevention of knee joint replacement complications

The following are among the most important ways to prevent complications after knee replacement:

Prevention of infection

Keep the dressing clean and dry.

To prevent infection, medications and Take antibiotics exactly as directed.

Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the wound or dressing.

Redness, pus discharge, increased pain, and fever may be signs of infection.

Preventing blood clots

Take blood thinners (if prescribed by your doctor).

Early movement: even the day after surgery, preferably with help Physiotherapist Walk a little.

Wear varicose (compression) stockings to improve blood circulation.

Move ankles and toes while sitting or lying down to prevent blood stagnation.

Knee care and prevent re-injury

Avoid putting too much pressure on the knee: avoid kneeling, squatting or running.

Using a cane or walker in The initial steps are effective in reducing the pressure on the knee.

Doing physical therapy exercises helps to strengthen the muscles around the joint.

Choose shoes with soft soles without sharp heels.

Prevent stiffness and dryness of the joint

Do stretching and light knee exercises to increase the range of motion.

Using a stationary bike after consulting a doctor.

Try to get up once every hour and walk a little and avoid sitting for long periods of time.

Pain and inflammation control

Using ice compresses in the first weeks to reduce swelling and pain.

Consumption of painkillers as prescribed by the doctor and avoiding self-medication.

Exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee to better support the new joint.

Weight control and proper nutrition

Reduce excess weight: too much weight causes more pressure on the new joint.

Consumption of foods rich in protein and calcium for faster tissue repair.

Drink enough water to improve blood flow and reduce inflammation.

Regular visits to the doctor

Follow up periodic visits to check joint function.

If the knee develops swelling, severe pain, or abnormal range of motion, inform the doctor immediately.

Patient expectations from knee replacement surgery

While Knee replacement surgery relieves and eliminates pain, patients should not expect the artificial joint to function as well as a healthy, natural joint when they are young.

Exercising after knee replacement surgery is very important to help the patient recover faster.

Once the new joint is fully healed, the patient can walk and climb stairs without discomfort.

However, if you suffer from knee pain and it interferes with your daily life If so, knee joint replacement surgery is a good option for you.

Is knee joint replacement surgery dangerous?

Knee joint replacement surgery is not a dangerous surgery, sometimes it results in complications that the percentage of these complications is low.

To eliminate this low percentage It is recommended that you take the recovery period after surgery very seriously.

For a few months after surgery, you should take your medications regularly, participate in physical therapy sessions, and visit your doctor to check the condition of your new knee.

The role of the orthopedic surgeon and his experience in knee replacement surgery is very important.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does knee replacement surgery cause temporary disability? Is it possible?

Yes, in the initial period after surgery, people may experience temporary disability. This disability improves with time.

Are the side effects of knee joint replacement surgery permanent?

Some complications may remain permanent, but most of them will decrease over time and be controlled with basic care after surgery.

Is joint bleeding a common complication after surgery?

Yes, bleeding from the joint after surgery is normal and this bleeding usually stops by itself and no additional treatment is needed.

Dr. Majid Ghorbanzadeh