Orthopedic Surgery Expert Witness Comments on Total Knee Replacement

Case Overview

This case involves a sixty-five-year-old male patient who sustained work-related injuries to his right knee. After receiving conservative therapy, the patient underwent arthroscopy and finally a total knee replacement due to painful arthritis. Following the procedure, the patient had complaints of pain and a significantly decreased range of motion compared to before the replacement. X-rays that were taken postoperatively revealed that the patella had not been resurfaced and a revision of the right knee with a downsizing of the prosthesis and recutting of the proximal tibia was recommended. There was some improvement following the revision procedure, however, the patient suffered constant pain in the limb as a result of muscle damage. The substance of the claim was that the prosthetics device utilized by the surgeon during the procedure was improperly sized and that the total knee replacement ultimately failed due to surgical error.

Questions to the Orthopedic Surgery expert and their responses

What are the most common complications of total knee replacement surgery?

Infection is a possible complication of any surgical procedure, yet it is fairly uncommon after knee replacement (< 2%). Blood clots in the legs are also possible complications, but if they occur, medical treatment is very successful. Dislocation of the knee is also a possible complication, yet modern knee replacement prostheses and excellent surgical technique minimizes this possibility.

About the expert

This board certified and fellowship trained joint replacement surgeon is a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, and currently holds high ranking clinical and administrative positions in his department.

E-006295

Specialties:

Orthopedic Surgery