Recurrent hemarthrosis following total knee arthroplasty: Etiology, diagnosis, and treatment✰

Abstract Recurrent hemarthrosis is a burdensome complication following TKA, characterized by repeated episodes of intra-articular bleeding that cause effusions and reduced range of motion, and is readily confirmed on aspiration. Coagulopathies should be ruled out first. Excluding patients with coagulopathy, impingement of hypertrophied synovium is typically the most common cause of bleeding. Pseudoaneurysms represent another important cause. Diagnosis relies on angiography to identify offending vessels or arthroscopic/open visualization. Treatment is straightforward and begins with conservative modalities with concurrent evaluation to detect an underlying coagulopathy. If these measures fail, more aggressive treatments may be required.