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Arterial complications and total knee arthroplasty
D E Smith1, R W McGraw, D C Taylor
1Department of Orthopaedics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
Summary
Arterial complications after total knee arthroplasty are rare but serious. Preoperative assessment for peripheral arterial disease and careful tourniquet use can help prevent these vascular issues.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Vascular Surgery
- Arterial Complications
Background:
- Arterial complications following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are infrequent but can lead to severe outcomes, including infection, amputation, or vascular reconstruction.
- Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a significant risk factor for these complications in TKA patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of preoperative assessment for identifying patients at risk of arterial complications during TKA.
- To discuss the role of vascular surgeons and the implications of tourniquet use in TKA.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing guidelines on preoperative assessment for TKA.
- Analysis of the impact of tourniquet use in patients with peripheral arterial disease undergoing TKA.
Main Results:
- Preoperative assessment can identify patients with peripheral arterial disease who are at higher risk for arterial complications post-TKA.
- Tourniquet use in TKA patients with PAD has been linked to increased arterial complications.
Conclusions:
- Implementing established guidelines for preoperative assessment and judicious tourniquet use is crucial.
- Collaboration between orthopedic and vascular surgeons can mitigate the risk of arterial complications in TKA candidates with PAD.