# Anaesthesia Considerations in a Case of Alkaptonuria Posted for Total Knee Arthroplasty

## TL;DR

This paper discusses the challenges of administering anesthesia to a patient with alkaptonuria undergoing knee surgery.

## Contribution

The paper presents a case study on anesthetic management for alkaptonuria during total knee arthroplasty.

## Key findings

- Alkaptonuria patients face challenges in neuraxial anesthesia and airway management.
- Perioperative planning is crucial to address anesthesia challenges in these patients.

## Abstract

Alkaptonuria is a rare hereditary condition in which homogentisic acid is deposited in collagenous tissues, leading to blackish discoloration, degenerative changes, restricted mobility, and pain in the affected part. The skeletal system is commonly affected, resulting in the stiffening of the vertebral spine, shoulders, knees, hip joints, and thoracic cage. Additionally, the degenerative process involves heart valves, endocardium, and kidneys, with associated pathophysiological changes. These patients present significant challenges in neuraxial anesthesia, airway management, and postoperative pain relief. In this report, we present the anesthetic management of a case of alkaptonuria undergoing total knee arthroplasty and discuss the encountered difficulties. We conclude that the perioperative anesthesia management of alkaptonuria patients requires thorough planning to effectively address the various challenges associated with the administration of anesthesia.