A case report of an anterior tibial artery pseudo-aneurysm open surgical management: A rare complication post total knee arthroplasty

INTRODUCTION: Complications involving injury to neurological and vascular structures are infrequently reported after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). They are associated with significant morbidity and can be limb threatening. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We present a patient with an anterior tibial artery (ATA) aneurysm post total knee arthroplasty. A 69-year-old female was referred for a swelling over her left antero-lateral aspect of her leg 4 years post TKA. Radiological investigations showed an ATA pseudo aneurysm. The aneurysm was repaired by open ligation. DISCUSSION: ATA pseudo aneurysm is a rare condition post arthroplasty. Patients can complain about calf pain, digits discoloration, paresthesia and the presence of a pulsating or enlarging mass. Symptomatic aneurysms require surgical intervention. CONCLUSION: ATA pseudo aneurysms are uncommon. They are usually identified shortly after the initial insult. A delayed manifestation of a post knee arthroplasty complication as illustrated in our case is likely the first reported case of its kind. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion should there be persistent localised swelling post TKA. However, due to the rarity of this condition, a variety of interventions have been reported in the English medical literature with probably no compelling evidence that favors one modality over the others.