title: Arterial complications and total knee arthroplasty.
abstract: Arterial complications after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are rare; however, the sequelae can be disastrous. Infection and the need for amputation or vascular reconstructive surgery are not uncommon. A thorough preoperative assessment can identify at-risk patients, many, if not all, of whom have preexisting peripheral arterial disease. In the presence of peripheral arterial disease, the use of a tourniquet during TKA has been implicated in subsequent arterial complications. Following the guidelines that have been established regarding preoperative assessment, the role of the vascular surgeon, and the use of a tourniquet before and during TKA can assist the orthopaedic surgeon in assessing candidates for TKA and reducing the risk of arterial complications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
authors.forename: D E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: R W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: McGraw
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.forename: B A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Masri
mesh_terms: D001157:Arterial Occlusive Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D001158:Arteries / Q000293:injuries*; D001164:Arteriovenous Fistula / Q000209:etiology; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005263:Femoral Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011150:Popliteal Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D011859:Radiography; D012307:Risk Factors; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000209:etiology; D014111:Tourniquets / Q000009:adverse effects; D014652:Vascular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control