Is Knee Replacement Advisable For A Lymphedema Patient?

Posted on Mon, 11 Apr 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 11 Apr 2016 Answered on

Wed, 8 Jun 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Can knee replacement be done on a person with lymphedema in both legs?

Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (-4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Lymphedema high risk for infection

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for contacting HCM with your health care concerns

I am sorry to hear that you are suffering from arthritis of the knees and may need knee replacement. You also have lymphedema in both legs. There is a a higher risk of infection with a person with lymphedema post surgery especially for knee replacement. This is a risk you need to discuss with your orthopedic surgeon before committing to surgery. You can still have surgery but it may make recovery slower and place you at risk for infection.

I hope I answered your question. Please contact us again if you have any additional questions

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar