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What complications the knee replacement have?

The infection of the prosthesis (in 100 operated one or two develop it)

- When given in the first days or weeks is usually caused by a germ that enters the wound from the air or the skin (it is impossible to completely sterilize them, despite the operating room under aseptic conditions).

- When it appears later due to some distant source of infection. Most often, urine or cavities.

- The most common treatment of the infected prosthesis removal is in the hole leaving a mold called antibiotic cement spacer, treatment with antibiotics for months (part time will be administered intravenously in the neck to prevent phlebitis in arms) and when the infection is considered eradicated implanted prosthesis rescue. Until then the patient can walk with crutches but without supporting the tip. In some cases surgery may be recommended cleaning only when leaving the prosthesis if the antibiotic can eliminate the infection.Arthrofibrosis

adhesions that block the knee. They are due to ineffective mobilization in the first days and weeks after surgery. If not due to intensive physiotherapy indicate a mobilization under anesthesia and in resistant cases, surgical removal of adhesions.

Hematoma

is the accumulation of residual blood. Superinfection can, so it must be drained, usually introduces a grooved or forceps through the wound (usually not hurt the patient) and drains through the area. Sometimes you need an intervention quirírgica cleaning.

Seroma

the same, but the fluid is an exudate of tissues (lymph, etc.)..

credit to: Dr. Alain Vannineuse, Dr. Roberto Palacio González