As a prior ortho nurse, complications are generally due to after care. This is not a piece of cake surgery and it will be painful. You need to make sure that you take your pain medications as ordered. For the first few days, take them routinely. DO NOT wait until you can't tolerate the pain. This will slow your healing. If you smoke, STOP prior to surgery and while recuperating. Smoking constricts the blood vessels and slows healing. It will also increase your pain. Do use hot and cold packs as ordered by your surgeon. Do not use them for more time than the surgeon orders (ex: alt heat and cold 20 mins on, 60 mins off) This will slow your healing. Eat healthy while recuperating. And do the physical therapy that your surgeon orders. DO your home therapy excercises religious! I have seen many patients have continuing problems following a knee surgery just because they won't/don't follow their physician's directions. Good luck to you! You will be amazed when it is all over!!!