[Complications of Knee Arthroscopy]

Overview

Journal Orthopade

Specialty Orthopedics

Date 2015 Oct 22

PMID 26486644

Citations 16

Authors

H O Mayr

A Stoehr

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Today, knee arthroscopy is one of the standard interventions performed by an orthopaedist and usually has a low potential for complications.

Purpose: The surgeon should still be aware of possible problems, and be able to control and explain them to the patient in detail before surgery.

Materials And Methods: The possible relevant peri-, intra- and postoperative complications of knee arthroscopy are discussed.

Results: Evaluation of the patient's medical history and comorbidities is crucial to successful treatment, in addition to a correct diagnosis and indications with the assistance of appropriate imaging procedures. Nervous and vascular injuries, malplacement of arthroscopy portals, thrombosis, air embolism, material breakage and a possible compartment syndrome constitute the peri-and intraoperative complications. Postoperatively, the most frequent negative events are haemarthrosis, thrombosis, embolism and infection, and the appearance of synovial fistulas. In the case of a joint infection, consistent and immediate diagnosis and therapy are vital for joint preservation. Late complications after arthroscopic interventions include Ahlback's disease, arthrofibrosis and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).

Discussion: Nowadays, the systematic education of arthroscopic surgeons using simulators, models, and cadavers, in addition to shadowing experienced arthroscopists, is required to offer patients the best therapeutic options.

Citing Articles

Effects of previous arthroscopic knee surgery on the outcomes of primary total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review and PRISMA-compliant meta-analysis.

Peng Z, Li J, Liu Z, Wang G J Orthop Surg Res. 2025; 20(1):219.

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Shoulder and Knee Arthroscopy Access Point: Prospective Comparison of Sonographic and Palpatory Detection - Which Method is Better for Novices?.

Weimer A, Weimer J, Berthold S, Stein S, Muller L, Buggenhagen H Ultrasound Int Open. 2024; 10:a22710098.

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Lateral geniculate artery pseudoaneurysm after arthroscopic medial meniscectomy.

Bhamidipati T, Adnan S, Deutsch E, Awad N J Vasc Surg Cases Innov Tech. 2024; 10(2):101397.

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Prior medial meniscus arthroscopy is not associated with worst functional outcomes in patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty: A retrospective single-center study with a minimum follow-up of 5 years.

Giovanoulis V, Schmidt A, Vasiliadis A, Koutserimpas C, Batailler C, Lustig S SICOT J. 2024; 10:5.

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The Effect of Lower Limb Position on Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction on Uncommon Complications after Surgery.

Aslani H, Bonakdar S, Amoozade F, Gorji M, Gholami A, Tajic K Adv Biomed Res. 2023; 12:204.

PMID: 37694238 PMC: 10492626. DOI: 10.4103/abr.abr_34_22.

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