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Nearly every patient will experience some degree of permanent numbness on the lateral (outside) side of the knee after knee replacement surgery. This is anticipated. It is so common, most surgeons do not discuss this with their patients prior to surgery. It is not a complication, but a necessary side-effect of achieving a safe exposure to perform knee replacement surgery. What is going on? There are cutaneous (skin) nerves that cross the front of the knee from the inside (medial) to the outside (lateral). A knee replacement incision is made longitudinally over the front (anterior) of the knee. These small nerves must be cut to allow deeper exposure. Other than a numb patch on the outside of the knee, there is generally no other negative effect. Once rehabilitated, patients rarely even mention this finding. Most are just thrilled their arthritic pain is gone and they are back to their desired activities again.  Sketch of right knee viewed from the front  Sketch of right knee showing cutaneous (skin) nerve branches crossing anteriorly (in the front)  Anterior incision crosses the cutaneous nerve branches in the front of the knee  Numb patch on the lateral aspect of the knee after knee replacement surgery is common and expected
19 Comments
12/2/2019 03:38:53 pm
Thanks for the information about the nerves in my knee. You showed me how they run across my knee and how making a insicion for knee surgery cuts them so explaining the numbness on the outside part of my knee insicion. Thanks 12/2/2019 03:41:55 pm
This question comes up quite frequently. I am glad you found my explanation helpful!
Josephine peros
7/19/2020 09:06:10 am
Will the numbness disappear over time 7/26/2020 08:59:43 am
@Josephine Peros - Most people report the numbness improves over time, but I would not expect it to completely resolve. 2/8/2020 06:20:38 pm
You're welcome. It is nice when things make sense. 2/8/2020 06:24:26 pm
As you read in the preceding article, numbness is not only common, but it is an expected, unavoidable issue based on the anatomy.
Lynda
5/17/2020 12:39:21 am
I want
Anthony J.
3/24/2020 10:26:28 am
Is there anything I can do to help in recovering from this numbness? Like for instance massaging the area, applying heat or cold? Or am I just going to have to get used to it? 3/24/2020 04:28:05 pm
Gentle massage is fine, but you will gradually get used to it with time.
Carol
6/14/2020 09:56:11 am
I understand the numbness is to be expected, but when we walk the numbness starts at the outside of the knee and is all the way up the thigh by the time we get back after 2 miles. It will be 2 years the end of July since tkr. Is this normal? Range of motion is normal with other leg this is my biggest complaint. Thanks for advice. 6/26/2020 07:06:04 am
If you have increasing numbness in your thigh with walking, I would be concerned about spinal stenosis. This is where the nerves in your back become pinched as the spinal canal gradually squeezes down over decades. This is typically made worse with walking or standing and better when you sit. I recommend you get checked out by an orthopedic surgeon. Your history is classic for this diagnosis. 6/27/2020 11:21:59 pm
I still have numbness of my knee after 2 years & 2 month now and pain of my knee replacement what will I do to take care of my knee replavements .....reply nenalinda0216@yahoo.com thank you 6/28/2020 12:55:36 am
As I illustrated in this article, a numb patch on the lateral aspect of the knee is normal and anticipated after knee replacement surgery. It is usually permanent, though it often becomes less obvious over time as your brain adjusts to the new normal. This does not require treatment, and does not indicate a problem. If you are having pain, you should be evaluated by an orthopedic surgeon with a physical examination and x-rays.
Peggy Aiello
7/7/2020 09:17:24 pm
My knee replacement has been 2 years and 3 months. I’ve lived with the numbness around my knee, but recently slipped and landed on that knee. I’ve noticed that now, if I’m on my feet for awhile, I get numbness on the outside of my thigh just above that knee. I only skinned m6 knee and there was minor swelling under the abrasion. Is this a cause for worry? 7/26/2020 09:03:03 am
New numbness that develops after trauma should be investigated if it does not rapidly improve. From your description- I would be more concerned about an injury to your back as opposed to an injury to your knee replacement. Either way- if not improving, it should be evaluated by an orthopedic surgeon.
CAROL S LUTZ
7/22/2020 08:06:34 am
I understand the numbness issue now. Thank you for the enlightenment. However I am having pain down the outside of my knee that radiates towards the front or shin area. With some motions the pain increases and makes my leg feel unstable. Should I go see my surgeon about this? 7/26/2020 08:57:51 am
Pain is common while rehabilitating a knee replacement. You do not indicate how recently your knee was replaced. It is not normal to experience ongoing or worsening pain, and certainly not instability. If this is happening, then yes, I would recommend discussing this with your surgeon. Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
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