DOS Kongressen 2014 ·
137
Complications after kneeligament reconstruction
in Denmark 2005-2012 as reported to The Patient
Compensation Association (PCA)
Thomas Hansen, Kim Lyngby Mikkelsen, Michael Rindom Krogsgaard
Section for Sportstraumatology M51, Bispebjerg Hospital; , The Patient
Compensation Association
Background:
The number and distribution of complications to kneeligament
reconstruction is widely unknown, as many reports of complications origin from
centers with selected patient groups. The Danish Kneeligament Reconstruction
Register only report some types of complications, and the follow-up rate is
quite low.
Purpose / Aim of Study:
To describe complications to kneeligament recon-
struction in Denmark as reported to PCA, related to number of reconstruc-
tions.
Materials and Methods:
From PCA patients with a claimed complication af-
ter kneeligament reconstruction 2005-2012 were identified, excluding re-
construction of patellar ligaments. The files for each patient were studied, the
complications were grouped and combined with information about rejection or
compensation.
Findings / Results:
Total number of reconstructions was 22.321. From 493
claimed cases, 261 (=1,17 %) were recognized for a compensation (total
35.558.205 DKK = 136.238 DKK/complication = 1.593 DKK/reconstruc-
tion). The 8 most common complications (claimed/recognized/total compen-
sation in DKK): Tunnel malpositioning (104/92/13.221.872), deep infection
(97/66/5.771.059), nerve damage (59/39/8.328.102), unrecognized di-
agnosis – typical undiagnosed multiligament injury (23/22/1.878.326), pain
(46/18/1.022.676), arthrofibrosis (22/6/4.957.405), instrument failure
(19/12/1.357.566), thromboembolic events (9/8/631.138). The 10most ex-
pensive (6 tunnel malpositions) complications cost 15,8 mio DKK. Only six of 66
patients with infection had not received prophylactic antibiotics. Complications
were not significantly more common in private (1,5 % of registered operations
in DKRR) than in public (1,2 %) clinics, with individual variations.
Conclusions:
Tunnel malpositioning is the most common complication, whereas
nerve damage and arthrofibrosis are the (relatively) most expensive complica-
tions. Thromboembolic complications were rare.
84.
