What complications can occur during an arthroscopy?
Possible complications: In principle, arthroscopy is associated with only a low life-threatening risk. There have been isolated reports of deaths caused by gas embolisms or septic shock after infection. Overall, pulmonary embolism is the most common cause of death after arthroscopy.
The risk of dying from arthroscopy is 1:9000 and is comparable to the risk associated with the administration of X-ray contrast medium (1:10. 000). A study from North America indicates an even lower risk (1:25.
000 to 1:100. 000). In addition to life-threatening, there are a number of severe and less severe complications that can occur during or after arthroscopic surgery. The following table provides an overview of possible complications during an arthroscopy
Complications during the operation
- Pressure damage to the non-operable, drooping leg due to incorrect positioning technique
- Injuries to skin nerves with subsequent sensory disturbances (loss of sensation) when applying the accesses, especially in the front part of the shinbone
- Injuries to vessels that bleed from the canals
- Instrument breakage due to unsuitable instruments or when operating in poorly accessible areas of the joint Cartilage or meniscus injuries due to the use of instruments (especially under local anaesthetic)Dissolving of cut meniscus parts from the grasping forceps Burns to the skin when using electric knives with non-intact insulation Injury to the knee joint artery with subsequent amputation of the legContinuing swelling due to the accumulation of irrigation fluid in the subcutaneous tissue under the skin, which is usually reduced by itselfTear of the inner ligament due to the excessively wide opening of the inner (medial) joint section when using a leg holder, which is not dangerous because it heals spontaneously. Sensitivity disorders (loss of sensation) in the course of the sciatic nerve on the back of the thigh or weakness of the extensor muscles of the thigh (quadriceps) due to the application of a tourniquet cuff
- Cartilage or meniscus injuries caused by the use of instruments (especially under local anaesthesia)
- Loosening of cut meniscus parts from the drum forceps Burns to the skin when using electric knives with insulation not intact: Injury to the knee joint artery with subsequent amputation of the legPermanent swelling due to the accumulation of irrigation fluid in the subcutaneous tissue under the skin, which is usually reduced by itselfTear of the inner ligament due to the excessively wide opening of the inner (medial) joint section when using a leg holder, which is not dangerous because it heals spontaneously. Sensitivity disorders (loss of sensation) in the course of the sciatic nerve on the back of the thigh or weakness of the extensor muscles of the thigh (quadriceps) due to the application of a tourniquet cuff
- Burns to the skin when using electric knives with insulation that is not intact
- Rarely: Injury to the knee joint artery with subsequent amputation of the leg
- Persistent swelling due to the accumulation of irrigation fluid in the subcutaneous tissue, which is usually reduced by itself
- Tearing of the inner ligament due to the excessively wide opening of the inner (medial) joint section when using a leg support which is not dangerous because it heals spontaneously.
- Sensitivity disorders (loss of sensation) in the course of the sciatic nerve at the back of the thigh or weakness of the extensor muscles of the thigh (quadriceps) due to the application of a tourniquet cuff
- Cartilage or meniscus injuries caused by the use of instruments (especially under local anaesthesia)
- Loosening of cut meniscus parts from the drum forceps Burns to the skin when using electric knives with insulation not intact: Injury to the knee joint artery with subsequent amputation of the legPermanent swelling due to the accumulation of irrigation fluid in the subcutaneous tissue under the skin, which is usually reduced by itselfTear of the inner ligament due to the excessively wide opening of the inner (medial) joint section when using a leg holder, which is not dangerous because it heals spontaneously. Sensitivity disorders (loss of sensation) in the course of the sciatic nerve on the back of the thigh or weakness of the extensor muscles of the thigh (quadriceps) due to the application of a tourniquet cuff
- Burns to the skin when using electric knives with insulation that is not intact
- Rarely: Injury to the knee joint artery with subsequent amputation of the leg
- Persistent swelling due to the accumulation of irrigation fluid in the subcutaneous tissue, which is usually reduced by itself
- Tearing of the inner ligament due to the excessively wide opening of the inner (medial) joint section when using a leg support which is not dangerous because it heals spontaneously. – Sensitivity disorders (loss of sensation) in the course of the sciatic nerve at the back of the thigh or weakness of the extensor muscles of the thigh (quadriceps) due to the application of a tourniquet cuff
- Burns to the skin when using electric knives with insulation that is not intact
- Rarely: Injury to the knee joint artery with subsequent amputation of the leg
- Persistent swelling due to the accumulation of irrigation fluid in the subcutaneous tissue, which is usually reduced by itself
- Tearing of the inner ligament due to the excessively wide opening of the inner (medial) joint section when using a leg support which is not dangerous because it heals spontaneously.
- Sensitivity disorders (loss of sensation) in the course of the sciatic nerve at the back of the thigh or weakness of the extensor muscles of the thigh (quadriceps) due to the application of a tourniquet cuff
After the operation, purulent or bloody fluid accumulation in the joint (effusion) may occur. Other complications can include wound infections and joint inflammation caused by bacteria (septic arthritis), deep vein thrombosis of the leg or – rarely – pulmonary embolism. There is little reliable information available on the frequency of the complications mentioned and, if applicable, of other complications.
