Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome presenting as foot gangrene after bilateral total knee arthroplasty: A case report

Abstract

Case: A 71 years old female who underwent bilateral total knee replacement, noted discolouration of toes and plantar aspect of right foot, along with cold right foot, 1 week after surgery due to thrombosis of dorsalis pedis artery in spite of adequate anticoagulation. She was eventually diagnosed with Anti phospholipid antibody (APLA) syndrome. Conclusion: APLA is not routinely investigated in preoperative workup for arthroplasty. It is also not a common condition in orthopaedic practice. Some patients may develop thrombosis after arthroplasty in spite of adequate thromboprophylaxis and a rare cause like APLA has to be kept in mind to help in ensuring appropriate treatment.