Delayed Pseudoaneurysm of the Popliteal Artery Following ACL Reconstruction

Arteriovenous fistula and pseudoaneurysm in a pediatric patient with persistent postoperative hemarthrosis: A rare complication following arthroscopic repair of a bucket handle medial meniscal tear

This case report highlights a rare complication of arthroscopic meniscal tear which is an arteriovenous fistula and pseudoaneurysm of the superior medial geniculate artery. A 14-year-old male patient presented with persistent hemarthrosis following arthroscopic repair of a bucket handle medial meniscal tear. The patient was investigated due to suspicion of vascular damage. After obtaining computed tomography arteriogram, the patient was diagnosed with an arteriovenous fistula and pseudoaneurysm of the superior medial geniculate artery. Conservative management was pursued following consultation with cardiovascular surgery. At three months, the arteriovenous fistula was observed to be in remission. In conclusion, orthopedic surgeons performing knee arthroscopy should be vigilant about potential vascular complications, although rare, and consider early diagnosis and treatment in cases of persistent postoperative hemarthrosis.

Pseudoaneurysm of the superolateral genicular artery following ACL outside-in reconstruction

A female underwent arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) via an outside-in drilling technique. At 4 weeks after surgery, she presented with a pulsatile painful mass on the lateral femoral condyle. Imaging confirmed a superolateral genicular artery pseudoaneurysm. Thrombin injections were administered twice, resulting in reduced size and minimal pain. This case emphasises the rare occurrence of pseudoaneurysms post-ACLR and highlights the importance of early detection and intervention for vascular complications. Although debated, we suggest tourniquet deflation before closure to facilitate identification and management of vascular issues. This report contributes valuable insights into managing pseudoaneurysms following ACLR.

Vascular Complications in Sports Surgery: Diagnosis and Management

Orthopedic sports surgery of the knee and shoulder is generally considered to be safe and effective. Vascular complications can occur during or after arthroscopy of either joint. A thorough understanding of anatomy, particularly when placing portals in non-routine locations, is extremely important. Prompt recognition of any vascular complication is of significant importance. This review will discuss the potential vascular complications for both knee and shoulder sports surgery, review the relevant anatomy, and discuss the treatment and expected outcome of each.

Pseudaneurysm of the superolateral genicular artery following an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

INTRODUCTION

Arthroscopic procedures are a safe way nowadays to do anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Rare complications involve injuries to popliteal vessels or one of its branches.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We present a case of a young patient who undergone an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. This procedure was associated with a meniscal suture. The follow-up was marked by pseudoaneurysm of the supero-lateral genicular artery.

DISCUSSION

This is the first time a pseudoaneurysm of this branch is described in the literature as we discovered it. The treatment by an ultrasonography-guided embolization with thrombin was proceeded and suceeded.

CONCLUSION

We stress the fact with new arthroscopic procedures and techniques, new complications can occur, and we should be attentive to them and new symptoms consequently, as a painless mass on the lateral side of the knee, to ensure a fast and optimal treatment.

Pseudoaneurysm of the Popliteal Artery Leading to Foot Drop After Arthroscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Rare Complication: A Case Report

CASE

A 32-year-old man underwent arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) using hamstring autograft. He complained of persistent posterior knee pain in the postoperative period and at 4 weeks postsurgery developed foot drop and intense posterior knee pain. On clinicoradiological evaluation, a popliteal pseudoaneurysm (PSA) was diagnosed. The patient underwent surgical exploration, excision of the PSA, and primary repair of the popliteal artery. The foot drop recovered at 3 months post-second surgery follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Persistent posterior knee pain and popliteal fossa swelling in a patient after ACLR should raise a suspicion of popliteal PSA. Identifying these lesions early can prevent further complications such as common peroneal nerve palsy.

Pseudoaneurysm of the popliteal artery after hardware removal in a patient with Marfan syndrome

The formation of pseudoaneuryms after orthopaedic procedures in the setting of connective tissue disorders such as Marfan syndrome (MFS) is not well documented in the literature. We report the case of a seventy-one year old male with MFS who underwent uncomplicated distal interlocking screw removal from a femoral cephalomedullary nail for symptomatic hardware. Five weeks later, he presented with a popliteal artery pseudoaneurysm. The patient underwent successful open ligation and excision of the pseudoaneurysm. This is the first reported case of a popliteal artery pseudoaneurysm following orthopaedic hardware removal in a patient with MFS. MFS may predispose patients to peripheral vascular complications even in the most routine cases. A thorough understanding of the patient and complications associated with MFS is required prior to proceeding with elective orthopaedic surgery.

Arterial complications, venous thromboembolism and deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A systematic review

AIM

To summarize the current knowledge on vascular complications and deep venous thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, Web of Science, CINAHL, PubMed publisher, and Google scholar medical literature databases were searched up to November 10, 2015. Any arthroscopic surgical method of primary or revision intra-articular ACL reconstruction of all graft types in humans was included. A risk of bias assessment was determined.

RESULTS

Fourty-seven studies were included in the review. Pseudaneurysms were the most frequently reported arterial complication after ACL reconstruction, irrespective of graft type or method of graft fixation with an incidence of 0.3%. The time to diagnosis of arterial complications after ACL reconstruction varied from days to mostly weeks but even years. After ACL reconstruction without thromboprophylaxis, the incidence of DVT was 9.7%, of which 2.1% was symptomatic. The incidence of pulmonary embolism was 0.1%. Tourniquet time > 2 h was related to venous thromboembolism. Thromboprophylaxis is indicated in patients with risk factors for venous thromboembolism.

CONCLUSION

After ACL reconstruction, the incidence of arterial complications, symptomatic DVT and pulmonary embolism was 0.3%, 2.1% and 0.1% respectively. Arterial complications may occur with all types of arthroscopic ACL reconstruction, methods of graft fixation as well as any type of graft. Patients considered to be at moderate or high risk of venous thromboembolism should routinely receive thromboprophylaxis after ACL reconstruction.