Complications
The complications are:
General:
- deep vein thrombosis
Infection:
- preventive measures are similar to hip surgery
- treatment is by debridement and antibiotics
- the salvage operation is usually arthrodesis
Loosening:
- preventive measures include:
- the knee should be in 7 degrees of valgus post-op
- the collateral ligaments should be taught
- rotation should be permitted
- recementing or revision is possible
Patellar problems:
- recurrent subluxation / dislocation
- fracture of the patella
- catching of soft tissues in the prosthesis
Peroneal nerve injury:
- usually occurs after correction of severe valgus deformity but may be caused by local compression during the operation
- an ankle orthosis may be required
- nerve recovery is usually complete
Reference
- NICE. Joint replacement (primary): hip, knee and shoulder. NICE guideline NG157. Published June 2020, last reviewed December 2024.
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