A case of the geniculate artery pseudoaneurysm after total knee arthroplasty: search for preventive measures by evaluation of arterial anatomy of cadaver knees

This article presents an 80-year-old man with pseudoaneurysm of the inferolateral geniculate artery after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The aim is to report this case and review possible preventive methods of pseudoaneurysm formation after TKA by investigating the relationship between knee arterial anatomy and the TKA procedure. Cadaveric evaluation demonstrates that the superomedial and inferomedial geniculate arteries are difficult to visualize. The anatomical position of the inferolateral artery makes it vulnerable to the surgical procedure during cutting of the tibia or while retracting soft tissue from the tibial edge, especially with minimal invasive surgery. In conclusion, careful subperiosteal release around the geniculate arteries is recommended. However, early recognition of pseudoaneurysm formation is even more essential than prevention.

Level of evidence Therapeutic study, Level IV.