All surgeries carry risks, but more invasive surgeries like joint replacement operations tend to carry a few more potential complications than other corrective procedures. The good news is that we’re well versed in all the possible complications and we know how to greatly reduce your risks. In this blog, we showcase some potential complications and risks associated with partial and total knee replacement surgery, and we detail how we work hard to stop them from occurring.
Preventing Complications During Knee Surgery
Here’s a look at some of the risks associated with a knee replacement operation, and how Dr. Botero works tirelessly to prevent or minimize them.
- Pain – Simply put, there’s no way to prevent all the pain and discomfort following a knee replacement surgery. A knee replacement operation is a traumatic event for your body, so there is going to be some pain as the anesthesia wears off. Most surgeons help to manage this pain with painkillers and appropriate medications, but Dr. Botero takes it a step further by using specialized techniques during the operation. By operating using techniques that put less tension on the soft tissues surrounding the knee joint, there’s less trauma to these nearby structures and oftentimes less pain and discomfort during rehab.
- Bleeding – As structures are cut and the joint is replaced, some bleeding will take place. If areas don’t clot correctly, this can lead to excessive blood loss or pooling and swelling near the joint, which can lead to the need for another drainage procedure. Dr. Botero helps to minimize the risks of excessive bleeding by using a surgical technique that allows him to maneuver past certain tissues and tendons that are traditionally cut in order to provide clear access to the knee joint. Less cutting means a reduced chance for poor blood clotting.
- Infections – If bacteria is introduced into the surgical site, an infection can develop and lead to devastating consequences for the integrity of the new joint. Regularly disinfecting and sterilizing equipment and the operating room are two things Dr. Botero and his team do to help reduce infection risk, but he also washes your newly inserted knee joint with a special antiseptic to help kill germs and prevent post-op infections.
- Blood Clots – Excessive bleeding is one problem associated with knee replacement surgery, but so too is the development of clots. Blood clots prevent the healthy flow of blood, and it can be life threatening. Early movement can help prevent the onset of clots, and that’s exactly what Dr. Botero pushes for with his patients. Because his techniques involve less trauma to key structures, patients are often up and moving within hours after their surgery, walking hallways and even testing out the stairs. Not only does this help promote healthy blood flow, but it works to prevent clots as well.
- Extended Recovery – Some patients simply take longer to recover than others, and while it may not be specifically considered a complication, it’s not something you want to deal with. You want to be back to a normal life as soon as possible. Dr. Botero not only works to achieve this with his surgical techniques and post-op routine that involves early movement and function in the knee, but he also ensures the patient is educated on their new knee and the best rehab options for their specific case. Patient education can help to speed up recovery, so you’re not old news the minute the final surgical stitch is in place. We are an information resource for our patients throughout the duration of their rehab.
For more information, or to talk to Dr. Botero about a partial or total knee replacement operation, reach out to his clinic today.
