Below-Knee Amputation Resulting from an Arterial Thrombosis from Tourniquet Use in a Patient with Undiagnosed Factor V Leiden: A Case Report

JBJS Case Connect. 2020 Jan-Mar;10(1):e0457. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.CC.19.00457.

Abstract

Case: A 38-year-old woman presented with previously undiagnosed factor V Leiden (FVL), who suffered a complete superficial femoral arterial thrombosis after tourniquet use during the surgical repair of one of her bilateral tibial plafond fractures. This patient's injury eventually resulted in a below-knee amputation.

Conclusion: We recommend expanding hypercoagulable screening on patients with risk factors based on a detailed history and physical examination. We also recommend limiting or negating tourniquet use in patients with FVL or other hypercoagulable disorders.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Amputation, Surgical*
  • Factor V / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Fibula / injuries
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal
  • Humans
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology*
  • Postoperative Complications / surgery
  • Thrombosis / etiology*
  • Thrombosis / surgery
  • Tibial Fractures / surgery
  • Tourniquets / adverse effects*

Substances

  • factor V Leiden
  • Factor V