Popliteal artery damage during total knee arthroplasty

Abstract

Injury of popliteal artery during total knee arthroplasty is a relatively rare complication. We report on one case of transverse semi-dissection of the popliteal artery during the tibial cut and one case of popliteal pseudoaneurysm formation caused by Hohmann retractors. Diagnosis was made early in the first case but it was delayed in the second due to misdiagnosis of deep vein thrombosis. Both injuries were managed eventually by open surgery. Postoperative clinical examination and ultrasound imaging confirmed the successful restoration of the blood flow. This case report also describes the classification system of the type of vascular damage and describes the mechanism, the clinical presentation, diagnostic modalities and treatment options for these rare complications of total knee arthroplasty surgery.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Arterial Occlusion after Knee Arthroplasty: The Sooner, the Better

“…After careful search and screening, 36 studies with 47 cases of arterial occlusion after knee arthroplasty in the past 35 years (1984–2018) were included in the analysis (1 from the present study) (Table S1). Demographics, predisposing conditions, perioperative details, arterial occlusion information, and prognosis are shown in Tables .…”

Delayed Arterial Occlusion Presenting as Foot Drop Following Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty in a Varus Knee: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

“…In a series of acute arterial thromboses, ischemic complications occurred only in patients with atherosclerotic disease [2]. Due to this higher risk in patients with atherosclerotic disease, Papadopolous et al [5] recommended vascular consultation. Our patient had several risk factors including vascular calcification on radiographs and peripheral vascular disease with previous contralateral stenting.…”

“…The incidence of vascular complications is between 0.06 and 0.2% [1][2][3][4]. These complications include vessel occlusion, transection, arteriovenous fistula, and aneurysm/pseudoaneurysm formation, among others [5]. Complications commonly result from indirect trauma such as mechanical stretching/compression from retractors but can occur from direct injuries with the saw blade [4,6,7].…”

Management of Chronic Massive Traumatic Popliteal Artery Pseudoaneurysm: A Case Series With Different Treatment Strategies

“…1,3 In addition, popliteal fossa tumors, bony growths, and infections can lead to the same pathology. 9,11,12 Several cases have been reported in the management of femoral and popliteal artery pseudoaneurysm secondary to femoral exostoses. 12 In these scenarios, the clinical suspicion often leads to the diagnosis and patients are referred to surgical management.…”