A rare case of pulmonary embolus after arthroscopic meniscus surgery

Although there is consensus that thromboprophylaxis is necessary for major orthopedic surgeries such a joint replacement, there is no widespread consensus on the need for thromboprophylaxis for minor arthroscopic surgery. Here, we present a case of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) after a common arthroscopic meniscectomy in a healthy 20-year-old female collegiate athlete. The patient had no risk factors except for prior use of combined oral contraceptive pills (COCPs). Twenty hours after an uncomplicated right knee meniscectomy, patient presented to ED with right calf pain and cramping, and DVT was confirmed using ultrasound. One week later, patient presented again to ED with dyspnea and chest pain. PE was diagnosed on CT angiography. Despite the rarity of thromboembolic complications in minor arthroscopy surgery, the broadened use of thromboprophylaxis in patients with even few risk factors could prevent thromboembolic complications from occurring.