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Complications in knee arthroscopy.
Ole Reigstad1, Christian Grimsgaard
1Orthopaedic Department, Baerum Hospital, PB 83, 1309, Rud, Norway. olereig@frisurf.no
Summary
Simple arthroscopic surgery is safe, with a low overall complication rate of 5%. Serious complications requiring therapeutic intervention were rare, occurring in only 0.68% of procedures.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Procedures
Background:
- Arthroscopic surgery is a common orthopedic procedure.
- Assessing complication rates is crucial for patient safety and procedure evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the complication rate of simple arthroscopic procedures.
- To identify factors influencing complications in arthroscopic surgery.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective examination of 876 simple arthroscopic procedures from 1999-2001.
- Data collection via patient records, questionnaires, and phone calls (97.6% response rate).
Main Results:
- Overall complication rate was 5.00%, with only 0.68% having therapeutic consequences.
- Superficial infections, thromboembolism, and reoperations were rare.
- Surgery duration was the only predictor of postoperative complications.
Conclusions:
- Simple arthroscopic surgery demonstrates a low complication profile.
- Total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) and tourniquet use did not increase morbidity.
- Prophylaxis for thromboembolism was not deemed necessary.