Vascular Complications in Arthroscopic Repair Of Posterior Cruciate Ligament

INTRODUCTION: Posterior cruciate ligament is the primary stabilizer of the knee. Among the potential complications in arthroscopic repair of this ligament, there are vascular lesions, due to laceration, thrombosis and injury of the intima of the popliteal artery. We used one case to show the vascular complications that may arise in arthroscopic repair of the posterior cruciate ligament, how to handle it and the results. METHODS: One patient, 33 years old, with a history of traffic accident. In a physical exam the patient shows pain and swelling of the knee, positive posterior drawer test and positive Godfrey test. X-rays on the knee show posterior tibial translation and MRI a complete fibers rupture at the middle third of the posterior cruciate ligament. An arthroscopic repair surgery was scheduled three weeks after trauma, with PCL reconstruction using simple band technique.After surgical intervention, hemostatic cuff was released, no peripheral pulse, paleness and coldness of the member was confirmed. An arteriography was carried out, which confirmed absences of distal vascular filling in the popliteal artery. An urgent referral was carried out with Vascular Surgery Services, who had been informed of the surgery previously (a notification that is part of our routine for this kind of interventions). Arteriorrhaphy and venorrhaphy of the popliteal arteries was fulfilled 12 hours later, with a leg fasciotomy. Daily monitoring was performed, and after 72 hours, muscle necrosis is seen with wound drainage, analysis shows presence of gram-negative bacilli, Proteus Mirabilis-Pseudomonas spp and the lab results showed leukocytes: 8.700/ml, ESR: 58, CRP: 48. A new surgery is performed with complete resection of the anterior external compartment of the leg, and a system of continuous cleansing is applied with physiological saline solution and boric acid for 14 days until drainage is eliminated. Vancomycin and ceftazidime EV was indicated for 14 days and, after a good evolution of the wounds, patient is discharged from hospital with Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim 160mg/800mg to be taken orally for 14 days. RESULTS: After treatment with oral antibiotic is completed, wounds progress positively. Foot in equinus position, has positive distal pulses with distal sensibility. Use of a thermoforming brace is indicated for movement. Vascular Surgery Services are currently following patient’s evolution. An ankle arthrodesis surgery is evaluated for the future. CONCLUSION: Combined injuries that result in a posterior tibial translation over 15 mm and, those that come along with injuries in the anterior cruciate ligament or posterior lateral structures of the knee, should be repaired through surgery. Vascular lesion caused by laceration, thrombosis or injury of the intima of the popliteal artery, mainly during perforation and preparation of tibial tunnel, is a serious lesion. Although these vascular lesions during arthroscopy are complications relatively rare, a potential risk should be considered, with consequences that could be fatal for the extremity and for patient’s life when bleeding is involved. In those cases, urgent treatment is imperative, that is the reason we believe it is safe to coordinate with Vascular Surgery Services before the surgery is carried out.