Pseudoaneurysm of the superior lateral genicular artery following anterior cruciate ligament repair.

BACKGROUND: Pseudoaneurysm is a rare complication of surgery of the knee. The pathogenesis of false aneurysm involves partial arterial laceration, which allows hemorrhage into surrounding soft tissues that confine it. Although most cases in literature described pseudoaneurysms after total knee arthroplasty, it can be associated with arthroscopic knee surgery too.

METHODS: Here, we report an uncommon case of a false aneurysm of the superior lateral genicular artery following anterior cruciate ligament ligamentoplasty using an autograft semitendinosus-tendon.

RESULTS: Three weeks after anterior cruciate ligament repair, a 25-year old man presented with a painful swelling on his right knee. Computed tomography angiography demonstrated a false aneurysm of the superior lateral genicular artery. Ultrasound-guided percutaneous thrombin injection was performed to exclude the pseudoaneurysm, and the patient recovered well.

CONCLUSION: Pseudoaneurysm is an uncommon complication of surgery or trauma of the knee. Although most cases in literature described pseudoaneurysms after total knee arthroplasty, it can be associated with arthroscopic knee surgery too. Ultrasound-guided thrombin injection can be a valuable treatment option.