Arthroscopic knee surgery is among the most common surgical procedures worldwide, and the number of such procedures has substantially increased in the last 30 years. In the United States, there are approximately one million knee arthroscopies performed annually, the most common of which are arthroscopic knee replacement, meniscal repair, and cruciate ligament reconstruction.
The rising popularity of arthroscopic knee surgery is attributable to its shorter recovery times, fairly high success rate (approximately 90 percent), and life-changing benefits.
However, it is worth noting that, like any other type of surgery, arthroscopic knee surgery is not devoid of the potential risk of complications—albeit very rare. Let’s explore the possible complications of arthroscopic knee surgery that you may find worth discussing with your doctor if you’re contemplating the procedure.
Nerve Injury
Nerve injury is another one of the possible complications of knee arthroscopies. Results of a retrospective study on the probability of limb neuropathy after knee arthroscopy show that it is at 0.01 percent in a large population of patients (14,979 patients under 65 years of age). However, there is an increased occurrence established in the diabetic population.
It proves prudent, therefore, to discuss this with your doctor especially if you’re living with diabetes.
Infection
Although the incisions made in arthroscopic surgery are smaller than the ones in open surgery, you can still develop an infection in one of them.
An infection happens when microbes get into the open wound. Symptoms include fever, swelling, pain, or redness around the incision site.
You have a greater risk of developing a postoperative infection if you are diabetic, have a compromised immune system, or are a smoker.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
DVT is characterized by a blood clot in your vein that could occur as a result of not moving as much after surgery. It usually develops in your legs, and you may notice pain, redness, warmth, or swelling in the affected leg.
Your doctor may give you a go-ahead to move around as much—and as safely—as possible or have you use compression stockings. DVT increases your risk of developing pulmonary embolism, a condition in which the blood clot travels through your bloodstream to your lungs.
Allergic Reaction
In cases when prosthetic implants may be required to treat a damaged knee (arthroscopic knee replacement), the possibility of allergic reaction to the metal components may have to be taken into consideration.
In people with metal allergies, implant parts may trigger a range of symptoms, such as rash, blisters, swelling, headaches, and weakness.
If you have an allergic reaction to metal jewelry, you need to check with your doctor if you need to be tested for metal allergies prior to surgery.
Arthroscopic Knee Surgery in Kansas City, MO
At Midwest Orthopedics, we offer a variety of advanced, effective treatment options for knee problems, including arthroscopic knee surgery.
When performing this surgery, our orthopedic surgeons take all the necessary precautions to reduce complications. We provide our patients with comprehensive preoperative and aftercare instructions to ensure a highly successful outcome.
If you’re experiencing knee problems or other orthopedic problems, contact Midwest Orthopaedics, serving Merriam and the nearby Kansas region, today by calling 913-362-8317 or using our appointment request form. We look forward to helping you restore your normal knee function!
