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Treatment of Ankle Osteoarthritis with Total Ankle Replacement Through a Lateral Transfibular Approach
Published on: January 24, 2018
Vascular injuries after total joint arthroplasty.
Javad Parvizi1, Luis Pulido, Nicholas Slenker
1Rothman Institute of Orthopedics at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107, USA.
The Journal of Arthroplasty
|August 5, 2008
Summary
Vascular injuries after joint replacement surgery are rare but serious complications. Patient awareness of these risks may help reduce the high rate of legal suits following these events.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Vascular Surgery
- Medical Complications
Background:
- Vascular injuries are a feared complication following total joint arthroplasty.
- These injuries can lead to significant patient morbidity and mortality, and frequently result in litigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the circumstances and outcomes of vascular injuries occurring after total joint arthroplasty.
- To identify risk factors and potential preventative measures for vascular injuries in joint replacement surgery.
Main Methods:
- Prospective data collection from 13,517 patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty.
- Identification and analysis of 16 cases (0.1%) of vascular injuries.
- Categorization of injuries by arthroplasty type (total knee arthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty) and injury mechanism.
Main Results:
- 16 vascular injuries were identified (11 after TKA, 5 after THA).
- Indirect injury was common in TKA, while direct injury was more prevalent in THA.
- One patient died from complications; 50% of injured patients filed legal suits.
Conclusions:
- Vascular injuries are infrequent but severe complications of total joint arthroplasty.
- Specific preventative measures are limited, suggesting patient awareness may be key in managing litigation risks.
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