Skin Numbness after Total Knee Arthroplasty: Complication or Side-Effect?

BACKGROUND: Peri-incisional numbness occurs frequently after Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA), yet its impact on clinical outcomes remains controversial. With some studies reporting 100% incidence and patients often perceiving it as a minor inconvenience, its categorisation as a complication is controversial. This study investigates the prevalence and temporal changes of numbness post-TKA to refine the informed consent process and improve patient satisfaction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A convenience sample of patients who underwent primary cemented TKA was studied. Demographic data, scar length, tourniquet time, and WOMAC scores were collected. Patients were grouped based on time from surgery, and areas of numbness for light touch and pinprick sensations measured. RESULTS: The study included 49 patients with a mean age of 68.9 years. While all patients reported numbness, the area decreased for both pinprick and light touch sensations over time. No significant correlation was found between WOMAC scores and the area of numbness. DISCUSSION: Numbness post-TKA is common, and the affected area contracts over time, implying a natural healing process. The study's findings challenge the perception of numbness as a complication and emphasise the importance of informed consent in managing patient expectations. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Postoperative numbness around the incision site following TKA is a common occurrence with minimal clinical impact on patients. 2. It is important to inform patients that this numbness will improve, although some residual numbness may remain.

Successful Outcome Following Limb Conservation Surgery for a Recurrent Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumour: A Case Report.

Introduction: A malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) is a rare soft-tissue sarcoma with a high recurrence rate and poor prognosis. Early diagnosis and complete surgical excision are the fundamental principles of treatment. A benign presentation and low clinical suspicion often delay definitive diagnosis, and en bloc excision may not be feasible depending on the size and location of the tumor. We describe a rare case of a recurrent MPNST successfully treated by surgical excision. Case Report: A 35-year-old woman presented with a rapidly growing painful mass 3 months following incomplete removal of a MPNST from her forearm. Staging investigations showed no evidence of metastasis. The patient underwent en-bloc surgical excision, split skin grafting, and adjuvant radiation therapy. Histology and immunohistochemical analysis confirmed a MPNST. Five years after having surgery, the patient shows no evidence of recurrence and has excellent function. Conclusion: MPNST are rare soft tissue sarcomas that can masquerade as benign lumps. There is a paucity of literature on the outcome of surgically-treated recurrent disease. Notwithstanding local recurrence of the tumor, complete surgical excision can yield excellent clinical results.