Pre-operative synovial hyperaemia in haemophilia patients undergoing total knee replacement and the effects of genicular artery embolization: A retrospective cohort study

Aim

Haemophilia is characterized by recurrent joint bleeding caused by a lack of clotting factor VIII or IX. Due to repeated joint bleeding, end-stage arthropathy occurs in relatively young patients. A total knee replacement (TKR) can be a solution. However, TKR may be complicated by perioperative and postoperative bleeds despite clotting factor therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of pre-operative synovial hyperaemia and the effects of Genicular Artery Embolization on synovial hyperaemia and 3-month postoperative joint bleeding.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, all patients with haemophilia who underwent periarticular catheter angiography between 2009 and 2020 were evaluated after written informed consent. Synovial hyperaemia on angiography was scored by an interventional radiologist.

Results

Thirty-three angiography procedures in 24 patients were evaluated. Median age was 54.4 years (IQR 48.4–65.9). Preoperative synovial hyperaemia was observed in 21/33 joints (64%). Moderate and severe synovial hyperaemia was observed in 10/33 joints (30%). Synovial hyperaemia decreased in 13/15 (87%) joints after embolization. Three-month postoperative joint bleeding occurred in 5/32 joints: in 2/18 joints (11%) without synovial hyperaemia and in 3/14 joints (21%) with mild synovial hypertrophy. Non-embolized and embolized joints did not differ regarding 3-month postoperative bleeding (P = .425). No complications were observed after embolization.

Conclusion

One-third of patients with haemophilia requiring a TKR had moderate or severe synovial hyperaemia which can be reduced safely by Genicular Artery Embolization prior to TKR. Three-month postoperative bleeding appears to occur independently of the presence of residual mild synovial hyperaemia.