Complications of Total Knee Arthroplasty

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is an excellent surgical procedure that can make severely damaged knees painless and stable, but it can be associated with many complications. Once complications develop, their management is not necessarily easy. The major complications include loosening, wear and breakage of the prosthetic components, patellar problems, fracture in the vicinity of the prosthesis, disruption of the extensor mechanism of the knee, and infection. Complications can often be prevented if TKA is performed after adequate preparation, such as thorough evaluation of the appropriateness of surgery, and if the technique used for TKA is meticulous. Great care must be taken both before and during the operation. When complications occur despite such precautions, early detection, accurate evaluation, and appropriate treatment are important.