Rare ACL Complication: Pseudoaneurysm Risk Post-Surgery
A rare complication following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction has been reported. A pseudoaneurysm in the medial inferior genicular artery can form, leading to repeated knee hemarthrosis. This artery, a branch of the popliteal artery, supplies blood to the knee joint and upper tibia.
The pseudoaneurysm begins in the medial inferior genicular artery after ACL reconstruction. It travels downward, affecting the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle and the medial ligament of the knee. The artery branches into the upper border of the popliteus muscle and passes under the tibia's medial condyle and the tibial collateral ligament.
This condition can occur post-ACL surgery, with relevant institutions such as the Medical University of Graz and the Medical University of Vienna reporting cases. Experts like Univ.-Prof. Dr. med. univ. Regina Roller-Wirnsberger at Graz and Dr. med. univ. Eva Karner at Vienna have studied and treated such complications.
Pseudoaneurysms in the medial inferior genicular artery, though uncommon, can occur post-ACL reconstruction. They can cause repeated knee hemarthrosis, highlighting the importance of monitoring and understanding potential complications following ACL surgery.
