Iatrogenic injury of the popliteal artery in orthopedic knee surgery: clinical results and development of a therapeutic algorithm

Purpose Intraoperative injury to the popliteal artery is a rare complication of orthopedic surgery, however, it can have serious consequences, including major amputation. Recommendations for a standard approach are lacking. The aim of this study was to develop an interdisciplinary therapeutic algorithm to assist in complication management. Methods From 01/11 to 12/20, 16 arterial injuries after knee surgery were analyzed in a retrospective single-center study. Four cases involved recurrent orthopedic surgery. Procedures performed included eleven total knee arthoplasties (TKA), two TKA replacements, one arthroscopy, and two high tibial osteotomies. Clinical presentation of patients was hemorrhage ( n = 2), ischemia ( n = 7), the combination of both ( n = 4), or pseudoaneurysm formation ( n = 3). Results Ten patients underwent endovascular treatment, some as combined procedures: (stent)-PTA ( n = 6), aspiration thrombectomy ( n = 5), thrombin injection ( n = 1), and embolization ( n = 1). Six patients were treated surgically: four with bypass/interposition and one with a patch plasty and one as a hybrid procedure, respectively. Only autologous great saphenous vein was used. All extremities could be preserved. Functional impairment remained in six cases. Conclusion Both endovascular and surgical procedures can be used to treat arterial injuries after knee surgery. Efficient standardized diagnosis and the involvement of vascular expertise are essential to prevent functional impairment or limb loss, as suggested in the algorithms.