What are risks specific to orthopedic surgery?

There are several risks associated with orthopedic surgery, including:

Bleeding: Any surgery can cause bleeding. Orthopedic surgery, especially procedures involving major joints like the hip or knee, may involve a significant amount of blood loss, which could require a blood transfusion.

Infection: Following orthopedic surgery, there is a risk of infection at the surgical site or within the joint itself. This can lead to pain, fever, and redness around the affected area. Patients are often given prophylactic antibiotics to prevent infections, but there is still a small risk that they could occur.

Damage to nerves or blood vessels: During orthopedic surgery, there is a risk of inadvertently damaging nearby nerves or blood vessels, which can lead to complications such as numbness, weakness, or impaired circulation in the affected area.

Blood clots: Orthopedic surgeries, especially those involving the lower body, can increase the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), where a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the legs. DVTs can cause pain, swelling, and discomfort, and in some cases, they can travel to the lungs and become a life-threatening condition known as pulmonary embolism.

Stiffness: After orthopedic surgery, there is often a period of immobilization to allow for proper healing. This can result in stiffness in the affected joint or surrounding muscles. Physical therapy is often recommended to help regain mobility and flexibility.

Pain: Pain is common after orthopedic surgery, but it is usually manageable with medications. In some cases, there may be persistent or chronic pain, which can be a challenge to manage.

Failure of the implant or surgical procedure: In rare cases, orthopedic implants (such as artificial joints) may malfunction, loosen, or fail. Similarly, the surgical procedure itself may not achieve the desired outcome or may have unintended consequences, requiring further surgery.

Risks specific to elderly patients: Elderly patients undergoing orthopedic surgery may face additional risks related to their age, such as an increased risk of complications, slower healing, and a higher risk of falls or delirium post-surgery.

Risks specific to children: Children undergoing orthopedic surgery might have unique concerns related to their growth, development, and susceptibility to certain complications. Their response to anesthesia and the surgical procedure can also differ from that of adults.