Although UTIs may seem unrelated to your knee, an untreated infection can increase the risk of a serious complication called Periprosthetic Joint Infection (PJI), which affects the artificial knee joint.
Bacteria that cause a urinary tract infection—commonly E. coli—can sometimes enter the bloodstream. If this happens, the bacteria may travel to the newly replaced knee joint and attach to the implant, potentially leading to an infection around the prosthesis.
While this complication is uncommon, it is serious and requires immediate medical attention.
Research suggests that the risk of infection is higher if a symptomatic UTI develops during the early weeks after knee replacement surgery. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the risk of complications and protect your new knee joint.
Sometimes, a urine test may detect bacteria even when you have no urinary symptoms. This is known as asymptomatic bacteriuria.
In many cases, asymptomatic bacteriuria does not increase the risk of infection after knee replacement and may not require treatment. Your orthopedic surgeon or physician will decide the most appropriate management based on your individual condition.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:
✔ Burning or pain while passing urine
✔ Frequent or urgent urination
✔ Blood in the urine
✔ Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
✔ Fever, chills, or unexplained increase in knee pain after surgery
Early treatment of a urinary tract infection can help prevent complications and support a smooth recovery after Total Knee Replacement.
If you are planning Knee Replacement Surgery in Surat or have concerns after your procedure, consult Dr. Dev Padia, one of the Best Knee Replacement Doctors in Surat.
At Vedaant Orthopedic Centre, Dr. Dev Padia provides comprehensive care before, during, and after surgery, ensuring patients receive expert guidance for a safe recovery and the best long-term outcomes.
Vedaant Orthopedic Centre, Surat
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