A very common concern for everyone considering a knee surgery is can knee surgery cause death? After every surgery there is a risk of developing a blood clot, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). In case a clot travels through the bloodstream and causes an obstruction in the lungs, a pulmonary embolism (PE) may happen. This can be deadly.
In this blog Dr. Aashish Arbat a reputed and leading knee replacement surgeon in Pune, explains if knee surgery can cause death.
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Can Knee Surgery Cause Death?
There is always a risk of death due to the procedure or anesthesia. While knee surgery is safe, there is always a risk of death. This risk varies extensively between types of surgeries and patients. Patients can never take surgery lightly; the possibility of death is very real, even with minor surgical procedures. Knee replacement surgery is now a normal practice and severe complications are occasional. A knee replacement surgeon may use general or local anesthesia during surgery and it is generally safe.
Knee Replacement Mortality Rate by Age
A knee replacement surgery is exceedingly effective in reducing pain. 90 percent of people who have a knee replacement experience a noteworthy reduction in pain as mentioned by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS). Most people who undergo a knee replacement have an increased ability to move and use their knee, leading to a better quality of life. While some may not recover a full range of motion, more than 90% of total knee replacement prostheses are still functioning 15 years after they were inserted.
Sudden Death After Knee Surgery
The primary cause of death following Primary Total Hip and Knee Replacement is because of Osteoarthritis. Understanding the reasons of death following joint replacement would allow targeted strategies to lessen the risk of death and improve result. Dr. Aashish Arbat the most reputed Knee Replacement Doctor in Pune proposed to determine the rates and causes of mortality for patients undertaking primary total knee or hip replacement compared with individuals in the general population who were matched for age and sex.
Hip and knee replacement surgeries are common these days. While these have a good success rate however, death after any surgery because of the side-effects is common too.
Causes of Death After Hip Replacement
Hip replacement surgery is a very common process and is mostly common in elderly individuals, where it is performed following traumatic hip fracture. As with any surgical process, hip arthroplasties are related with a certain degree of morbidity and mortality, with deaths occurring in the post-operative period. As most of these cases result from trauma, they are usually referred for medicolegal death investigation,
Infrequently, unexpected cardiorespiratory collapse and death happens during hip arthroplasty surgery. In certain medicolegal jurisdictions, all intra-operative deaths must be inspected. Even though many post-operative arthroplasty-related deaths might not necessitate autopsy, those that occur intra-operatively may need autopsy. While clinical decision-making through recent years has brought about in fewer arthroplasty-related deaths, intraoperative demises may still happen.
Sudden Death After Hip Replacement
Cardiovascular hitches appear to have surpassed fatal pulmonary emboli as the leading cause of death after hip replacement.
Risks of Knee Replacement Surgery in the Elderly
- Allergic reaction to anesthesia
- Wound infection
- Amputation of the leg due to severe wound infection
- Joint dislocation
- Prosthesis breaking or working itself loose
- Temporary or permanent numbness around the incision site
- Blood clots
- Nerve damage
Conclusion
Understanding the possible risks and complications of knee surgery is important. Consult a knee doctor Pune to understand the risks involved and the measures to be taken to avoid serious consequences. Can knee surgery cause death? If you are looking to know incase knee surgery can cause death; well, these surgeries are common these days. These are generally safe but prior understanding of safety measures can always keep you better. Relieve pain and disability- enjoy a happy life.
FAQ
Knee surgery death rate
According to the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, 0.5–1% of total knee replacements fail yearly.
How dangerous is knee surgery?
Common risks and complications associated with knee surgery as mentioned by the most acclaimed Orthopedic Surgeon in Pune include:
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Persistent pain
- Wound and bleeding
- Metal hypersensitivity
- Nerve or neurovascular damage
What is the most common cause of death after total hip replacement?
Ischemic heart disease is the primary cause of death in the 90 days subsequent to total joint replacement. Besides, there is an increase in postoperative deaths related to digestive system disease following joint replacement.
