Pseudoaneurysm of the posterior tibial artery after manipulation under anesthesia of a total ankle replacement

Abstract

Although pseudoaneurysm of the posterior tibial artery has been reported, no investigators have discussed the development of a pseudoaneurysm after manipulation under anesthesia of a total ankle replacement. We present the case of a 59-year-old female with end-stage post-traumatic tibiotalar joint disease who underwent an uneventful INBONE® Total Ankle Replacement. She experienced continued postoperative pain and impingement after physical therapy. Consequently, she underwent manipulation under anesthesia. The manipulation provided complete and immediate pain relief. However, she developed a pseudoaneurysm of the posterior tibial artery that required vascular repair. She recovered uneventfully and was ambulating free of pain with improved functionality. Although manipulation under anesthesia of a total ankle replacement is a valuable, noninvasive tool that can provide near-immediate pain relief, it is important to realize that this distal arterial injury, although uncommon, is a possibility.

Keywords: 4; manipulation; posterior tibial artery; pseudoaneurysm; total ankle replacement; total ankle replacement complications.