Well-Leg Rhabdomyolysis After Prolonged Knee Arthroscopy: A Case Report

We present the case of an obese patient who underwent combined arthroscopic and open multiligamentous knee reconstruction who, 3 months later, required revision arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament and posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with open lateral collateral ligament and posterolateral corner reconstruction lasting 6 hours 30 minutes. The patient developed rhabdomyolysis of the nonoperative leg after the revision procedure. Both procedures were performed in a hemilithotomy position with a commonly used leg positioner.

Complications secondary to patient positioning are a source of unnecessary patient morbidity. Surgeons should be mindful of the nonoperative extremity, particularly during prolonged cases in obese patients. Prompt diagnosis and multidisciplinary treatment can lead to the resolution of symptoms without long-term sequelae.