J Korean Orthop Assoc.  2018 Feb;53(1):71-75. 10.4055/jkoa.2018.53.1.71.

Pseudoaneurysm after Knee Arthroscopic Synovectomy in a Septic Arthritis Patient

• Lee SJ
• Sohn OJ
• Ryu SM
• Na H
• Yun WS

• KMID: 2405402
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4055/jkoa.2018.53.1.71

Abstract

Arthroscopic synovectomy is a widely-used method to treat septic knee arthritis. To date, many authors have reported minimal complications related to arthroscopic treatment, especially vascular injuries. A three-dimensional computed tomography angiography revealed a pseudoaneurysm that arise from the popliteal artery near the arthroscopic site in septic arthritis patients with atherosclerosis and neurofibromatosis. A careful arthroscopic procedure via the posteromedial or posterolateral portal is recommended for the prevention of this complication. We, therefore, recommend close observation after arthroscopic procedure, despite the occurrence of complications; nonetheless, early diagnosis and treatment are important. We report a case of pseudoaneurysm of the popliteal artery with a complicating arthroscopic synovectomy in septic arthritis with literature review.

Keyword

knee; arthroscopy; debridement; pseudoaneurysm

MeSH Terms

Aneurysm, False*
Angiography
Arthritis
Arthritis, Infectious*
Arthroscopy
Atherosclerosis
Debridement
Early Diagnosis
Humans
Knee*
Methods
Neurofibromatoses
Popliteal Artery
Vascular System Injuries

Figure

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  Figure 1 Three-dimensional computed tomography angiography. White arrowhead shows pseudoaneurysm originating from the popliteal artery of the left lower leg. H, head; F, foot.

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  Figure 2 (A) Preoperative popliteal arteriography shows contrast leakage on the popliteal artery. (B) Postoperative popliteal arteriography shows normal blood flow of the popliteal artery.

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