Anterior tibial artery occlusion post total knee arthroplasty: A case report

RATIONALE: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a globally well-accepted surgery because of its good outcome and safety. Although TKA-associated arterial injuries occur, postoperative anterior tibial artery (ATA) occlusion has not been reported yet. Herein, we present a case of ATA occlusion after TKA. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 42-year-old man with a 6-year history of right knee pain after right patella fracture treated with open reduction was referred to our clinic. Valgus and contracture deformities were detected in the right knee. Severe osteoarthritis (OA) in the right knee and multiple osteochondromas were observed on radiography. DIAGNOSIS: On the basis of clinical and imaging findings, the patient was diagnosed with OA and multiple osteochondromas. INTERVENTIONS: TKA was performed in the right knee and the osteochondromas were resected. ATA occlusion was found postoperatively and was treated conservatively. OUTCOMES: Although the right ATA occlusion did not resolve, the patient recovered well postoperatively, with pain relief and recovery of right knee range of motion. LESSONS: The clinical outcome in a case of ATA occlusion after TKA demonstrates that conservative treatment could be appropriate in this context.