Acute arterial occlusion after total knee arthroplasty

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Vascular Surgery
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) can lead to various complications, including deep venous thrombosis, infection, and anemia.
• Acute arterial occlusion is an uncommon yet potentially limb-threatening complication of TKA, with limited reported cases.
• Physiatrists and orthopedic surgeons must be aware of this rare complication in the postoperative TKA population.

Observation:

• A case is presented of a patient who developed acute arterial occlusion 9 days after TKA.
• The patient experienced mild peroneal palsy, a potential indicator of neurovascular compromise.
• The occlusion occurred during inpatient rehabilitation, highlighting the need for vigilance beyond the immediate postoperative period.

Findings:

• Prompt recognition and aggressive management were critical for restoring arterial circulation.
• The patient's arterial circulation to the lower limb was successfully restored through timely intervention.
• This case underscores the treatability of acute arterial occlusion with deliberate and prompt medical care.

Implications:

• Awareness of acute arterial occlusion as a rare but treatable complication of TKA is essential for clinicians.
• Patients with a history of peripheral vascular disease or postoperative peroneal palsy require heightened monitoring after TKA.
• Effective management strategies for acute arterial occlusion can prevent limb loss and improve patient outcomes.