Saddle Pulmonary Embolism Following Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Rare Incidence

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a life-threatening condition that occurs due to the blockage of the pulmonary artery by blood clots. The occurrence of PE after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is quite rare. Individuals with a history of PE have a high risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE). We have encountered a case of saddle PE (SPE) following TKA. The patient underwent a TKA due to advanced osteoarthritis. She started to develop respiratory distress after day 2 of surgery. Further investigation showed that she developed SPE. The conclusion from this case is that, while the occurrence is rare, it is critical to identify the risk factors for each patient prior to surgery. Individuals with VTE are at risk of developing recurrent VTE. Those with a previous history of VTE may require long-term anticoagulant medication to prevent a recurrence. Early diagnosis of the risk factor for VTE before the surgical procedure helps assure a positive outcome and prognosis following the procedure. As an additional benefit, it will lower the rates of perioperative morbidity and mortality.