Last reviewed: September 29, 2026

Usually it shrinks, though it may not go away completely. On its own, it does not mean anything is wrong.

A small skin nerve crosses the front of the knee where the surgical cut is made, and it is usually cut during surgery. The skin on the outer side of the scar then feels numb or strange. This is common, and in some studies every patient had it.

The numb area tends to get smaller over the first year. Some people get all their feeling back, and many keep a small numb patch. In one study, recovery took longer in people with diabetes.

For most people, numbness does not change how well the knee works. Some studies found that people with more numbness were a little less satisfied, and numbness can make kneeling harder.

A real nerve injury is different, and it is rare. It usually affects the nerve on the outer side of the leg. It shows up as weakness lifting the foot or toes, often with numbness on the outer shin or the top of the foot. It usually appears soon after surgery but can appear weeks later. Most people recover, especially when the weakness is partial.

In general:

  • Numb skin on the outer side of the scar is expected.
  • Take care with heating pads and hot water bottles, and when shaving your legs, since numb skin gives no warning of a burn or a cut.
  • Burning or electric pain near the scar is worth describing that way to your surgeon.
  • Weakness lifting the foot, a foot that drags, or numbness on the top of the foot needs to be seen promptly.

Drafted with AI assistance from published sources, reviewed and edited by Babak Sheikh, MD.

Sources:

This is general information about what published research shows. It is not medical advice and it is not about your situation. Reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship with me. I am a retired orthopedic surgeon and I do not see patients. Talk with your own doctor before changing anything about your care. If something feels suddenly or seriously wrong, get medical care promptly rather than waiting.

This page is provided as is. I make no guarantee that it is accurate, complete or current, and medical evidence changes. Use of it is at your own risk.

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