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Total Knee Replacement — risks and complications
5 documented risks. Severity reflects clinical significance, not probability.
Periprosthetic infection
severe1.00% (0.50–2.00%)Prevention: Antibiotic prophylaxis; laminar flow theatre; adequate skin preparation; weight management pre-operatively.
Sources: aaos-knee-replacement-guideline
Deep vein thrombosis / pulmonary embolism
severe1.00% (0.50–2.00%)Prevention: Mechanical and pharmacological prophylaxis per NICE NG89; early mobilisation.
Sources: nice-ng89-venous-thromboembolism
Implant loosening (long-term)
moderate5.00% (2.00–10.00%)Prevention: Cementing technique; activity modification post-recovery.
Sources: njr-annual-report
Persistent pain or stiffness
moderate10.00% (5.00–20.00%)Prevention: Pre-operative expectations management; physiotherapy compliance.
Sources: aaos-knee-replacement-guideline
Nerve injury (peroneal, saphenous)
moderate0.50%Prevention: Careful surgical exposure; avoidance of excessive valgus correction.
Sources: aaos-knee-replacement-guideline