Haemarthroses after total knee arthroplasty caused by an isolated platelet factor 3 availability defect.

Abstract

We present seven patients with recurrent haemarthroses after total knee arthroplasty, caused by an inherent platelet function defect. These patients developed painful knee swelling, persistent bleeding and/or wound breakdown, a platelet factor 3 availability defect being identified in all cases. Surgical exploration, with joint debridement, lavage and synovectomy, was performed in four patients who did not improve with conservative therapy. Histopathological examination of synovium revealed a focal synovial reaction with histiocytic infiltration, and occasional foreign-body giant cells. One patient required an early revision because of aseptic loosening of their tibial component. The condition was treated by single-donor platelet transfusions with good results. The diagnosis, management, and relevance of this disorder are discussed.

• Authors: R Malhotra, S Bhan, E Krishna Kiran
• Journal: The Journal of bone and joint surgery. British volume (J Bone Joint Surg Br) Vol. 87 Issue 11 Pg. 1549-52 (Nov 2005) ISSN: 0301-620X [Print] England
• PMID: 16260678 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Platelet Factor 3

Topics

• Aged
• Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee (adverse effects)
• Blood Platelets (physiology)
• Female
• Hemarthrosis (blood, etiology)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Platelet Factor 3 (physiology)
• Prosthesis Failure
• Recurrence
• Reoperation