A Rare Complication of Robot-Assisted Total Knee Replacement: Spontaneous Recurrent Hemarthrosis and Its Management

TL;DR

This paper discusses a rare complication after robot-assisted knee surgery, where the knee repeatedly fills with blood, and how it should be managed.

Contribution

The paper presents a case report highlighting early identification and management of a rare complication after robot-assisted total knee replacement.

Findings

Spontaneous recurrent hemarthrosis can occur as early as 2 months post-surgery.

The condition can lead to limited movement and severe stiffness if not managed promptly.

Instrumentation during surgery may cause direct vessel injury, leading to this complication.

Abstract

Spontaneous recurrent hemarthrosis following total knee replacement is a relatively rare complication. It requires a different and swift management plan compared to any other knee swelling. Presentation can vary from 2 months to 1.5 years, and it can lead to further complications, including a limited range of movement and severe stiffness, resulting in compromised functionality. Although etiology is not well understood, it can be due to instrumentation leading to direct vessel injury, including popliteal and geniculate arteries, arteriovenous fistula, and pseudoaneurysms. This case report aims to contribute to the early identification and management of this rare complication. We present a case involving the early onset of recurrent spontaneous hemarthrosis following robot-assisted total knee replacement surgery.

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