Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 18, 2026
In Vitro Application of a Wireless Sensor in Flexion-Extension Gap Balance of Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty
Published on: May 5, 2023
Unilateral Acute Compartment Syndrome Following Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasties: A Case Report
Kristen I Barton1,2,3, Adit R Maniar1,2, Brent Lanting1,2
1Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
Case:
A 55-year-old man developed unilateral acute compartment syndrome (ACS) within 3 hours after bilateral total knee arthroplasties (TKA). Timely fasciotomies, followed by primary closure (within 48 hours), resulted in full neurological recovery within 2 weeks. By 1 year postoperatively, the patient had excellent range of motion (0-120° bilaterally) and patient-reported outcomes (KSS 200 and WOMAC 88.3). We hypothesize that the ACS was both due to bleeding from a small branch from the popliteal artery or vein that goes into vasospasm and due to the tourniquet ischemia-reperfusion phenomenon.
Conclusion:
ACS, although exceedingly rare, can occur post-TKA without major vascular injury.
