A Rare Pseudoaneurysm of the Popliteal Artery Induced by Acute-Phase Rehabilitation Following Total Knee Replacement: A Case Report and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Early rehabilitation programs are often considered essential for optimizing patient recovery after total knee replacement. Popliteal artery pseudoaneurysm, an infrequent but recognized risk during total knee replacement associated with early postoperative rehabilitation, is relatively rare. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of severe knee inversion deformity in a 56-year-old male patient with traumatic arthritis of the right knee. The man complained that the pain has gradually worsened over the past year. The patient underwent right knee replacement surgery at our hospital, using the Legacy Constrained Condylar Knee (LCCK) prosthesis. On the fourth day after the operation, the patient suddenly experienced tearing pain during the flexion movement of the knee joint. Immediate pain relief and other symptomatic treatments were administered, and vascular CT angiography (CTA) revealed a popliteal artery pseudoaneurysm. Subsequently, vascular surgery was performed to explore and surgically remove the pseudoaneurysm. The patient's postoperative symptoms had improved, and after 1 month of follow-up, joint activity was good. CONCLUSIONS: This case emphasizes the importance of cautious postoperative rehabilitation methods for patients with severe knee joint deformities undergoing total knee replacement surgery, in order to balance the benefits of early activity and potential complications, ultimately improving patient safety and outcomes during rehabilitation.