Neurological Complication Following Total Knee Arthroplasty

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study retrospectively evaluated the nerve injuries that occurred after total knee arthroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among 1,582 cases of total knee arthroplasty in 1,362 patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty from 1982 to 2002, 162 cases of neurologic complications in 148 patients who were followed up for over five years, and these case were examined in this study. RESULTS: Among the 9 cases of peroneal nerve palsy in 8 patients, 6 cases of 5 patients were caused by compression of the peroneal nerve after applying a cylinder splint. One case was caused by damage of the peroneal nerve and soft tissue contracture due to peroneal compartment syndrome and two cases failed to reveal the cause of the peroneal nerve palsy. Seven cases recovered within 2 years. Among the 153 cases with sensory change that was caused by injury of the infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve, 76 cases recovered to 50% or more within three years postoperatively, and 105 cases recovered to 70% or more within 5 years postoperatively. Eight cases fully recovered. CONCLUSION: The causes of peroneal nerve palsy were considered to be multifactorial and almost all the cases recovered within 2 years. The injury of the infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve does not affect the results and the patients' satisfaction.