Popliteal Pseudoaneurysm after Arthroscopic Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Abstract

This report presents the case of a 30-year-old motocross (BMX) cyclist with a third-degree posterior cruciate ligament rupture. The technique used for reconstruction was the transtibial single-bundle autologous hamstring technique. Unfortunately, the procedure was complicated by a popliteal pseudoaneurysm, which was located in line with the tibial canal. The pseudoaneurysm was treated with an end-to-end anastomosis and the patient recovered without further complaints. In this case, the popliteal artery was damaged most probably by the edge of the reamer or the guide wire during removal. Vascular complications can be limb- and life-threatening. This case report aims to increase the awareness of this serious complication with a review of the literature.

Compression of the Popliteal Artery after Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using the Tibial Inlay Technique

“…According to the literature, PCL reconstruction with the tibial inlay technique can be associated with several complications such as hematoma, transient saphenous nerve distribution numbness, recurrent instability, laceration of the popliteal vein, failure of fixation of the bone block, and infection 4) . A case of popliteal pseudoaneurysm after arthroscopic PCL reconstruction was also reported 5) . However, popliteal artery compression after PCL reconstruction using the tibial inlay technique has rarely been reported.…”