Acute arterial occlusion associated with total knee arthroplasty.

Acute arterial occlusion is a rare but limb-threatening complication in total knee arthroplasty. Most of the previously reported cases of this complication required surgical intervention. This report illustrates an unusual case of this complication that was managed conservatively with an acceptable outcome. The case is also indicative of the etiology and the optimal prevention of this complication. In a patient with advanced arteriosclerosis, as indicated by vascular calcification around the knee or in the abdomen, knee arthroplasty should be performed without a tourniquet, and intra-operative manipulation should be done cautiously because of the potential for intimal disruption.