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Open Knee Surgery Risks

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), complications following total knee replacement occur in less than 2 percent of patients. While every knee surgery involves risks, open knee surgeries may be met with more complications than minimally invasive surgeries, due to the larger incision required for this type of procedure.

  1. Blood Vessel Damage

    • While rare, blood vessel injury can occur. This risk is most commonly associated with knee revision procedures, which require more invasive means to remove or repair an existing knee replacement. Several blood vessels run around or behind the knee, and if excessive bleeding occurs during surgery, a transfusion may be required.

    Blood Clots

    • Blood clots constitute one of the most frequent complications following knee surgery. Because the knee and leg must be kept somewhat immobile during recovery, circulation in the leg may slow, creating blood clots. Your surgeon should recommend a clot prevention routine, which may include elevating the leg, wearing support stockings to boost circulation or taking blood thinners to prevent clotting.

    Infection

    • An open knee procedure requires a larger incision than a minimally invasive procedure. For this reason, open knee surgery patients experience a more significant risk of a surgical site infection. A wound can become contaminated with bacteria, resulting in pain, swelling, difficulty healing and scarring. Antibiotics should be given before and after surgery to reduce infection risks. If these symptoms occur, seek medical attention immediately to begin healing the infection.

    Stiffness

    • An open surgery requires a longer recovery period for the knee to heal. Therefore, patients may experience some residual stiffness after not moving the knee for some period of time. While some loss of motion can be expected, you should work with a physical therapist on exercises that can regain lost motion without slowing the healing process.

    Nerve Injury

    • Because the open knee surgery procedure requires a significant incision in order to access the knee, nerve injury may be associated with this type of procedure on rare occasions. Nerves such as the peroneal nerve may be damaged, which can result in decreased sensation in the foot or ankle as well as foot weakness or difficulty walking, according to Medline Plus.

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