Pseudoaneurysm-Induced Pain Following Ankle Arthroscopy: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

BACKGROUND Arthroscopic surgery is esteemed for its arthroscopic lateral ligament repair to treating ankle ligament injuries, characterized by a low complication rate. Nevertheless, rare complications such as pseudoaneurysms require careful monitoring and a strategic approach to management during the postoperative follow-up period. This case report details a 42-year-old man with chronic instability in his left ankle. The aim of this paper is to present a case report and conduct a literature review on the rare complication of pseudoaneurysm following arthroscopic procedures. CASE REPORT A 42-year-old man with chronic instability in his left ankle was experiencing severe pain and limited motion following arthroscopic lateral ligament repair surgery. He was diagnosed with a pseudoaneurysm of the left anterior tibial artery and an intra-articular hematoma in the left ankle joint, indicated by MRI and Doppler ultrasound findings. Initial conservative management was followed by interventional procedures, including thrombin injection and balloon tamponade. After these interventions proved unsuccessful, surgical intervention for anterior tibial artery reconstruction and hematoma evacuation was performed. The surgical interventions resulted in the closure of the pseudoaneurysm and improvement in the patient's pain. CONCLUSIONS This case underscores the challenges involved in diagnosing and managing pseudoaneurysm and hematoma after ankle surgery, highlighting the necessity for thorough evaluation and a comprehensive treatment strategy.