Arterial complications after knee arthroplasty: 4 cases and a review of the literature.
We reviewed 40 cases of arterial complications after total knee replacement from the literature and report 4 of our own cases. The incidence is low (0.03%-0.2%), but the prognosis is poor, with death or amputation in one fourth of the cases. Preexisting arterial insufficiency, absent pedal pulses, arterial calcification on plane radiographs, femoro- popliteal/distal grafts are all predisposing factors. Therefore, preoperative risk factor evaluation as well as rapid and adequate handling in case of bleeding and/or ischemic complications pre- and postoperatively are crucial. Cooperation with a vascular surgeon is also essential.
Holmberg
A
A
Department of Surgery, University Hospital Uppsala, Sweden.
Milbrink
J
J
Bergqvist
D
D
D000368:Aged; D003097:Collateral Circulation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007511:Ischemia / Q000209:etiology; D007720:Knee Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016491:Peripheral Vascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors