Knee surgery
is a relatively common procedure, but that does not make it less significant for the patient who endures it. In most cases, knee surgery goes off without any major complications, but in some cases, there are problems. Nerve damage is one problem that can occur, especially with the larger surgeries.
Significance
There are several major nerves that run through the lower leg near the knee. When a surgeon must make a large incision and perform invasive knee surgery, it may be necessary to cut one or more of these nerves. In rare cases, the cut is accidental.
Effects
When a nerve is cut, the messages sent by that area of the body do not reach the brain. Therefore, the patient experiences loss of feeling and/or control of a specific area of their leg or foot. This effect may or may not be permanent.
Size
The most common nerve damage due to knee surgery causes a large patch of skin just below the knee and to one side to go numb to touch. Pressure can be detected, but there is a numbness like novacaine has been applied to the skin. This area can be a few inches to several inches up and down the leg.
Time Frame
Nerves are notoriously slow to heal, and it may take six months to a year before the patient regains any feeling in the numb area. It is important to consult with your doctor and ask him if there will be permanent damage.
Considerations
While many patients find this a nuisance, in general it is not a crippling side-effect of a useful surgery. Care should be taken to guard the numb area in the future, as feeling is blunted and cuts, burns, or bruises will not be as noticeable in the nerve-damaged area.
Tags: knee surgery, numb area