Acute popliteal artery occlusion after arthroscopic posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Arthroscopic posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction may carry certain risks of complications, including injury to the neurovascular structures in the popliteal region. Acute occlusion of the popliteal artery, a limb-threatening complication, was reported after total knee arthroplasty. We report a case of acute popliteal artery occlusion after arthroscopic posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The possible causes included underlying artherosclerosis, the use of pneumatic tourniquet, surgical manipulation, and arterial spasm. Early diagnosis and prompt surgical treatment are the keys to success in the treatment of this limb-threatening complication. Spontaneous resolution of the thrombus such as is reported in this case is exceptional.