The general complications from surgery include
- Infection
- Bleeding from the surgical wound
- Injury to nearby nerves and tendons, causing temporary/permanent dysfunction of the related nerve or tendon.
The possible specific complications related to the types of surgery for osteoarthritis of the hand include:
- For arthroscopic surgery: Iatrogenic cartilage injury, causing further wear, septic arthritis
- For joint balancing procedures involving osteotomy (bone-cutting) and fixation with implants: Non-union of the intended fixation site, irritation of surrounding tissue due to attrition against the metal implant.
- For excisional and interpositional arthroplasty procedures: Subsidence of the bone after removal of the joint, instability and recurrence of pain.
- For replacement arthroplasty procedures: Dislocation of the artificial joint, loosening of the implant, early wear of the plastic components of the artificial joint
All the above complications are treatable and manageable with either non-surgical or surgical means if necessary.
