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Updated: May 11, 2026

Knee Arthrocentesis in Adults
Published on: February 25, 2022
Thromboembolic complications in arthroscopic surgery
Joseph W Greene1, Ajit J Deshmukh, Fred D Cushner
1Insall Scott Kelly Institute, Ney York, NY 10065, USA.
Abstract:
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a relatively rare complication of arthroscopic surgery but has the potential to cause significant morbidity and even mortality. VTE has been reported after shoulder and knee arthroscopy prompting controversial guidelines to be proposed. More limited studies are available regarding hip and ankle arthroscopy and 1 case of deep venous thrombosis in the contralateral leg status after hip arthroscopy exists. No reports have been published regarding VTE after elbow or wrist arthroscopy to these authors' knowledge. In this article, a systematic review of the literature was conducted to analyze the incidence, treatment, and prevention of thromboembolic complications in arthroscopy.
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