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Medical Author:

B Sonny Bal, MD

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Risks

Every surgery has risks. Minimally invasive surgery is still associated with complications, such as the following:

• Improper placement of the components
• Nerve injury
• Fractures during the procedure
• Blood loss
• Blood clots after surgery
• Infection after surgery

In addition, minimally invasive procedures may take longer to perform. A person who has had any type of knee replacement surgery needs to follow certain precautions to adjust to a lifestyle with a prosthetic device. Unrealistic expectations, a lack of information and preparation, and a failure to become an active and intelligent participant in the surgical procedure can lead to disappointment after any surgery. Different people react differently to the same procedure, depending on their body weight, associated medical conditions, family support, cultural background, mental health, and other unpredictable factors.