Some designs shed more particles than others. Wound healing can occasionally be a problem after knee replacement. The skin wound over the knee sometimes does not heal completely. Parts of the skin may die after the surgery. This is a major complication which occurs very rarely.
Every precaution is taken to prevent it.
Fat legs are more prone to this complication. The odds of this occurring are probaby one in many hundreds. If it does occur, the affected nerve usually recovers after 6 to 12 months. Sensation usually returns to normal within a few months. Patellar complications can occur.