Which of the following is not a common complication following orthopedic surgery?

The correct answer is that muscle atrophy is not typically classified as a complication following orthopedic surgery. While muscle atrophy can occur as a result of disuse or immobilization after an injury or surgery, it is considered a consequence of the body adapting to reduced activity levels rather than a direct complication of the surgical procedure itself.

In orthopedic contexts, complications typically refer to unexpected problems that arise during or after healing, such as the inability to regain full range of motion, swelling, or nerve damage. Frozen shoulder, for example, is a condition that can develop after surgery due to decreased mobility in the shoulder joint, illustrating a common complication that may stem from joint immobility. Lymphedema can also arise due to disruption of lymphatic drainage during surgical procedures, particularly in surgeries involving lymph nodes. Prolapse generally relates to reproductive organ descent and is not a typical direct complication from orthopedic surgery but can occur in related contexts.

Therefore, while muscle atrophy can indeed be a side effect of surgery due to decreased physical activity, it does not fit the usual definition of a surgical complication when assessing outcomes and potential risks associated with orthopedic procedures.