Ipsilateral multiple ascending subcutaneous emphysemadue to knee arthroscopy. a case report in a health careprovider

Abstract

Introduction: Arthroscopy has developed as an endoscopic technique, becoming the most frequent surgical intervention in  orthopedics. It will require proper functioning of the optic system and adequate joint distension by irrigation. This requires an
automatic pump that allows an open flow. On the other hand, subcutaneous emphysema is defined as the penetration of air or gas into tissues under the skin. Objective: To demonstrate the appearance of subcutaneous emphysema by arthroscopy. Methods: A 34-year-old man, from Pisco, with antecedent 28 days prior to admission of a pivotal sport trauma. Diagnosed
clinically and by nuclear magnetic resonance of meniscal rupture of left knee and programmed for arthroscopy. A malfunction of the automatic pump occurred during surgery, resulting in the appearance of subcutaneous emphysema in the knee, thigh, inguinal region, scrotum and ipsilateral infraclavicular region. He stayed in hospital for 4 days. Results: It did not interfere with
the clinical results of knee arthroscopy, nor with the Visual Analog Scale (EVA). Statistically demonstrated that when comparing scales scores and grades, preoperative and postoperative were both highly significant (p <0.001). Discussion: Subcutaneous emphysema with the use of CO2 has been reported in the medical literature as a rare arthroscopic complication; but not by a
malfunction of the automatic pump. The pathophysiology is not conclusive. There would be other mechanisms explaining why the appearance of subcutaneous emphysema in the infraclavicular region by knee arthroscopy. Conclusions: Subcutaneous
emphysema is caused by knee arthroscopy, so there may or may not be other complications.