Disadvantages of Knee Replacement Surgery

While dealing with knee pain, there is a range of treatment options available for patients, such as lifestyle changes, medications, medical procedures, and surgical interventions.

When symptoms are severe, then selecting total knee replacement is the best option for the cause, but before making a final decision, one must be aware of the potential disadvantages of knee replacement surgery.

In this article, we will discuss the disadvantages of knee replacement and related information.

What is Knee Replacement Surgery?

Knee replacement surgery is also known as knee arthroplasty, which is a surgical procedure to resurface a knee that is damaged by arthritis. In this procedure, metal and plastic pieces are placed over the ends of the bones in the knee joint and on the kneecap. This surgery is usually an option for people who have serious arthritis or a bad knee injury.

What are the Disadvantages of Knee Replacement Surgery?

• Difficulty in the Recovery Process

The post-replacement recovery is not easy because in that period, you may undergo physical therapy for months to regain mobility and strength. During this period, you may experience swelling, pain, and stiffness after surgery because the disadvantages of Knee Replacement Surgery often begin with this challenging recovery period.

• Mobility Limitations

Among the disadvantages of Knee Replacement Surgery, mobility limitations are common.

• Infection Risks

Infection is another disadvantage of knee replacement surgery, so if you experience this, then see your healthcare provider.

• Replacement Joints Wear Out

The knee joint (prosthesis) doesn’t last forever and eventually needs to be replaced again, which is called revision surgery.

• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Blood clots or DVT are possible complications after knee surgery due to how blood flows and clots after surgery, yet it's not a serious issue. But if it's causing pain or swelling, then the doctor will prescribe you medicines to help.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious health issue where a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the legs or pelvis. If it isn't treated, this condition can cause a very dangerous problem called a pulmonary embolism, where the clot can travel to the lungs and block the blood flow, which is another serious disadvantage of Knee Replacement Surgery..

• Anesthesia Complications

There are some common side effects of anesthesia, which include vomiting, dizziness, and breathing difficulties. However, cognitive dysfunction can occur in patients over 60 years of age.

• Artificial Joint Becomes Loose or Dislocates

Its major complication after joint replacement surgery is when the artificial joint separates from the bone, which requires another surgery.

• Allergic Reactions

Artificial knee joints include titanium or a cobalt chromium-based alloy, and the bone cement is a proper epoxy; however, patients can be allergic to the prosthesis, the cement, or both.

• Nerve Damage

After knee replacement surgery, some people may experience nerve damage. This can lead to feelings like numbness, weakness, or tingling in the leg or foot. In some cases, a person might have trouble lifting their foot, which is known as foot drop. It can also feel like there's a burning or prickling sensation in the area.

• Damage to Tendons and Ligaments

Tendons and ligaments can get damaged during knee replacement surgery, which causes pain, restricts movement, and instability.

Alternatives to Knee Replacement Surgery

If you are concerned about the disadvantages of knee replacement surgery, then there are some alternatives that you should consider, which include:

• Diet : Losing enough weight can help you reduce strain on your knees.
• Exercise : There are some non-impact exercises, like swimming or cycling can also improve your strength and flexibility of your knees.
• Drugs : Medicines like painkillers can help reduce your knee pain.

What are the Dangers of delaying knee replacement surgery?

While worrying about the disadvantages of Knee Replacement Surgery can lead to delays, which have their dangers, including:

• Damaged bones and joints

The longer you delay your surgery, the more wear and tear will occur. And because of that reason, the bones at the joint grind against each other rather than moving smoothly.

• Surrounding muscle and tissue weaken

Limited mobility and continued inflammation can cause pressure that can prevent proper movements, weaken the muscles.

How to manage pain if knee replacement surgery is delayed?

If the surgery is delayed, then you might experience pain, but there are several strategies can can help in managing pain, including:

• Keeping a warm or cold compress on for about 3 times a day can reduce pain.
• Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs can also help reduce pain and inflammation.
• Light movement can help you stretch and also enable movements.
• Devices such as knee braces, a cane, or a walker can help you reduce pain and also increase mobility.
• You should avoid activities that can cause pain and pressure on the knees.

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