Total knee arthroplasty in a patient with hypofibrinogenemia.
Patients with afibrinogenemia or hypofibrinogenemia present a unique challenge to the arthroplasty surgeon as fibrinogen is a key contributor to hemostasis. Patients with these disorders are known to have a higher risk for postsurgical bleeding complications. We present the case of a patient with hypofibrinogenemia who underwent an elective total knee arthroplasty. Our colleagues in hematology-oncology guided us initially to achieve and maintain appropriate fibrinogen levels in the early perioperative period. However, the patient developed an acute joint effusion and subsequent infection 4 weeks after her initial operation. Her fibrinogen levels were noted to have fallen below the target range by that time, and it was also revealed that the patient failed to follow-up with hematology-oncology to monitor her levels. Based on our review of the available literature, we recommend that patient's fibrinogen levels be closely monitored and maintained ideally >100 mg/dL not only in the initial perioperative window but perhaps for the first 4-6 weeks postoperatively as well.
Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA.
Christopher R
CR
Nacca
Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA.
Kalpit N
KN
Shah
Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA.
Jeremy N
JN
Truntzer
Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI, USA; Division of Adult Reconstruction, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Providence, RI, USA.
Lee E
LE
Rubin
Blood disorders; Clotting disorders; Hematology; Hypofibrinogenemia; Prosthetic joint infection; Total knee arthroplasty