Symptomatic thromboembolic events after knee arthroscopy

Introduction

Knee arthroscopy is considered a safe procedure with low rate of complications. The aim of the study was to calculate the incidence of symptomatic thromboembolic events: deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, associated with knee arthroscopy and evaluate possible related risk factors.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective cohort study. Patients who underwent knee arthroscopy between January 2011 and December 2015 at a University Hospital were included. Follow-up was performed during the first 30 postoperative days. Demographic characteristics, symptomatic thromboembolic events, type of arthroscopic procedure and possible risk factors were recorded.

Results

1,097 arthroscopic knee surgeries were performed in the 5 years of the study. 100% had 10-day postoperative follow-up and 90.5% of patients completed the 30-day follow-up. The mean follow-up time was 15.1 months. The rate of symptomatic thromboembolic events during follow-up was 1.4% (n = 14). There were two risk factors statistically associated with the outcome of the study: previous thromboembolic events (p = 0.013) and the current use of anticoagulants (p = 0.001). The mean age of the group with thromboembolic events was significantly higher (58 years) than that of the control group (46 years) (p = 0.009).

Discussion

The incidence of symptomatic thromboembolic events associated with knee arthroscopy was low. The routine use of thromboembolic prophylaxis is not recommended in patients undergoing this surgery. We recommend using it in patients with risk factors such as history of previous thromboembolic events and actual use of anticoagulants. Likewise, its use in patients over 50 years should be considered.

Level of evidence

III, Retrospective Cohort Study.