Arthroscopic synovectomy is a widely-used method to treat septic knee arthritis. To date, many authors have reported minimal complications related to arthroscopic treatment, especially vascular injuries. A three-dimensional computed tomography angiography revealed a pseudoaneurysm that arise from the popliteal artery near the arthroscopic site in septic arthritis patients with atherosclerosis and neurofibromatosis. A careful arthroscopic procedure via the posteromedial or posterolateral portal is recommended for the prevention of this complication. We, therefore, recommend close observation after arthroscopic procedure, despite the occurrence of complications; nonetheless, early diagnosis and treatment are important. We report a case of pseudoaneurysm of the popliteal artery with a complicating arthroscopic synovectomy in septic arthritis with literature review.
Aneurysm, False ; Angiography ; Arthritis ; Arthritis, Infectious ; Arthroscopy ; Atherosclerosis ; Debridement ; Early Diagnosis ; Humans ; Knee ; Methods ; Neurofibromatoses ; Popliteal Artery ; Vascular System Injuries