Management of knee arthropathy in patients with vascular malformations

Progress about the fibro-adipose vascular anomaly: A review

Fibro-adipose vascular anomaly (FAVA) is a rare and complex vascular malformation associated with persistent pain, limb contracture, and even restriction of activity. However, the pathophysiology of FAVA remains unclear. Although FAVA is a benign vascular malformation, it is highly misdiagnosed and often thus undergoing repeated surgical resection and interventional sclerotherapy, resulting in worsening of symptoms and irreversible dysfunction. Therefore, aggressive diagnosis and treatment are essential. There are several different treatment options for FAVA, including surgical resection, sclerotherapy, cryoablation, drug therapy, and physical therapy. This article reviews the clinical manifestations, pathological features, pathogenesis, and treatment methods of FAVA.

Intra-articular venous malformations of the knee: a diagnostic challenge

BACKGROUND

Intra-articular venous malformations (IAVM) are rare benign vascular anomalies that usually affect young patients and most common locate in the knee. The terminology of these lesions is still ill-defined, as they are often termed in the literature as synovial hemangiomas. Early diagnosis can be difficult, because they usually present with nonspecific clinical manifestations that are similar those of other rheumatic diseases, especially juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

CASE SERIES

We conducted a retrospective analysis of five pediatric patients admitted to our units for recurrent swelling of the knee, and compared their characteristics with those of literature reports. The average age at first symptom and time from onset to diagnosis was 3.9 years (range 18 months-7 years) and 3.5 years (range 1-7 years), respectively. In our patients, an initial misdiagnosis of JIA, bleeding disorder or traumatic arthropathy was made. On MRI imaging, the features of the lesion were similar in all patients, and were marked by isointense-to-hypointense signal in T1-weighted images, and hyperintense signal in T2-weighted images. When performed, arthrocentesis led to aspiration of bloody fluid. The diagnosis was confirmed with a biopsy and histopathologic assessment in all patients. Open surgery enabled complete excision of the mass and was followed by stable remission over time in all cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Our report highlights the challenges that may be posed by the detection of knee IAVM and the frequent long delay between onset of symptoms and diagnosis. The key elements for early recognition include careful assessment of patient history, demonstration of bloody fluid on arthrocentesis, and proper interpretation of MRI scanning.

Knee Arthroplasty in Klippel-Trénaunay Syndrome with 3-Dimensional-Printed Patient-Specific Instruments: A Case Report

CASE

Using a multidisciplinary team approach, a cemented posterior-stabilized total knee arthroplasty was performed using 3-dimensional-printed patient-specific instruments (PSI) in a 34-year-old man with symptomatic end-stage knee osteoarthritis secondary to Klippel-Trénaunay syndrome (KTS). At 1-year follow-up, the patient was able to walk without pain and return to work.

CONCLUSION

Knee arthroplasty is rare in patients with KTS. Compared with traditional instrumentation, PSI provides the benefit of minimal tissue dissection which can be advantageous in patients with altered anatomy such as KTS. Multidisciplinary cooperation is vital in terms of dealing with multiple comorbidities in KTS.

Orthopedic issues in vascular anomalies

Vascular anomalies impact the musculoskeletal system dependent on the tissue involved (skin, subcutis, muscle, cartilage, or bone), the extent of involvement, and the type of anomalous vessels (arteries, capillaries, veins, or lymphatics). These malformations can cause a multitude of musculoskeletal problems for the patient. Leg-length discrepancy, intra-articular involvement, muscular lesions, and primary or secondary scoliosis are amongst the issues that patients face. All of these problems can cause pain, deformity, and a range of functional limitations. Surgical and nonsurgical treatment plans have a role in patient care. Patients with vascular anomalies may also suffer from life-threatening cardiovascular and hematologic abnormalities. For those patients who undergo surgery, the thromboembolic risk is elevated, wound breakdown and infection are much more common, and bleeding risk continues well into the postoperative course. Because of the complex nature of these disorders, the clinician must have a full understanding of the types of lesions, their natural history, appropriate diagnostic studies, associated medical problems, indications for treatment, and treatment options. For severe malformations, especially syndromes such as CLOVES and Klippel- Trenaunay syndrome, interdisciplinary team management is essential for the best outcomes.

Conservative management of knee arthropathy in a patient with Klippel Trenaunay syndrome

Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS) is a rare vascular malformation characterized by capillary malformation, venous malformations, and soft tissue or bone hypertrophy that affect the extremities in most cases. Knee or hip arthropathy are common associated conditions and cause serious disability. We present the case of a patient with a diagnosis of KTS and severe knee arthropathy. A 34-year-old man with KTS was referred to our hospital with severe knee arthropathy, with the joint fixed in a 90° position. CT Angiography and MRI of the left leg showed important varicose development of the superficial venous system with intraarticular vessels. After discussion of the case by a multidisciplinary committee, the patient was enrolled on a physiotherapy program and had achieved significant improvements in movement and quality of life at 12-month follow-up. Treatment of KTS is primarily conservative and a multidisciplinary approach is necessary.

Surgical Management of Fibroadipose Vascular Anomaly of the Lower Extremities

BACKGROUND

Fibroadipose vascular anomaly (FAVA) is a recently-defined vascular malformation often involving the extremities and presenting in childhood. Patients may present to orthopaedic surgeons with pain, swelling, joint contractures, and leg length discrepancy. There is no established therapy or treatment paradigm. We report on outcomes following surgical excision for patients with this condition.

METHODS

Between 2007 and 2016, all 35 patients that underwent excision of lower-extremity FAVA were retrospectively reviewed using a combination of medical records, radiologic findings, and telemedicine reviews.

RESULTS

Mean age at initial presentation was 12.3±6.8 years. Mean follow-up from time of definitive diagnosis at our institution was 66 months (range: 12 to 161 mo). Mean follow-up after surgery was 35 months (range: 6 to 138 mo). Females were affected more than males (71% vs. 29%). The most common location of FAVA was in the calf (49%), followed by the thigh (40%). The most commonly involved muscle was gastrocnemius (29%), followed by the quadriceps (26%). At latest follow-up after surgery, there was an improvement in the proportion of patients with pain at rest (63% vs. 29%), pain with activity (100% vs. 60%), as well as analgesia use (94% vs. 37%). Fourteen patients (40%) had symptomatic residual disease or recurrence of FAVA requiring further treatment. Six patients (17%) required further surgery and 6 (17%) required further interventional radiologic procedures. Three patients (9%) required eventual amputation for intractable pain and loss of function. Lesions with direct nerve involvement were associated with persistent neuropathic symptoms at latest follow-up (P=0.002) as well as symptomatic residual disease and/or recurrence requiring further treatment (P=0.01). Seventeen patients (49%) had 19 preoperative joint contractures. Eighteen of the 19 contractures (95%) had sustained improvement at latest follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

In carefully selected patients, surgical excision of FAVA results in improvement of symptoms. However, symptomatic residual disease and/or recurrence are not uncommon. Direct nerve involvement is associated with a worse outcome.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV-case series.

Orthopaedic diagnoses in patients with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome

PURPOSE

Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS) is a rare combined vascular malformation composed of capillary malformation, lymphatic and/or venous malformation and limb overgrowth, which commonly affects the extremities. Due to limb involvement, it is not uncommon for these patients to require referral to an orthopaedic surgeon. Herein we reviewed the prevalence of orthopaedic diagnoses in a large cohort of KTS patients and described the associated surgical interventions.

METHODS

Between 1976 and 2012, 410 patients fulfilling strict criteria for KTS were evaluated at a single institution. Patient charts were reviewed for demographic information, details of the clinical evaluation, orthopaedic consultation and surgical interventions.

RESULTS

A total of 264 of 410 patients (64%) with confirmed KTS required orthopaedic evaluation. Of these 264 patients, 84% had documented limb-length discrepancy. Other common diagnoses included: angular deformities (10%), scoliosis (9%), osteopenia/osteoporosis (7%), pathological fractures (6%), joint contracture (5%), degenerative joint disease (4%) and limb/joint pain (4%). Of the 264 patients evaluated by orthopaedic surgery, 133 patients (50.4%) underwent 169 surgeries. Surgery was most commonly performed for limb-length discrepancy (62%). Multivariable analysis confirmed an orthopaedic condition was more likely in patients with lymphatic malformation (odds ratio (OR) 3.78; p < 0.001), as well as in those with bone and/or soft-tissue hypertrophy of the lower extremity (OR 7.51; p < 0.001) or foot (OR 3.23; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Orthopaedic conditions are common in patients with KTS and approximately 50% require surgical intervention. Those with a lymphatic malformation and/or soft-tissue hypertrophy of the lower extremity are more likely to need surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, Descriptive Case Series.

Total Knee Arthroplasty Is Safe and Successful in Patients With Klippel-Trénaunay Syndrome

BACKGROUND

Klippel-Trénaunay syndrome (KTS) is a severe vascular malformation that can lead to hypertrophic osteoarthritis. Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) performed in extremities affected with KTS is challenging given the high-risk vascular considerations and occasionally poor bone quality.

METHODS

We identified 12 patients with KTS who underwent TKA between 1998 and 2017. There were 7 men, mean age 42 years, and mean follow-up was 7 years. Before arthroplasty, 2 patients (17%) had preoperative sclerotherapy. Preoperative vascular studies were done for 9 patients (75%) and included magnetic resonance imaging (n = 7), magnetic resonance angiography (n = 1), and computed tomography angiography (n = 1). A preoperative blood conservation protocol was used for all operations and included the use of tranexamic acid (TXA) in later years. Posterior-stabilized TKA was used in 10 cases and cruciate-retaining TKA was used in 2 cases.

RESULTS

At final follow-up, 2 patients (17%) had undergone revision surgery: 1 for infection and 1 for tibial loosening with subsequent arthrofibrosis. Knee Society Scores (36-83, P < .0001) and functional scores (48-84, P = .0007) significantly increased between the preoperative and postoperative period. Likewise at last follow-up, the mean knee range of motion significantly increased (82°-104°, P = .04). Median blood loss for patients who received TXA was 200 mL compared to 275 mL in patients who did not receive TXA (P = .66). Likewise there was no difference (P = .5) in the proportion of patients who required a transfusion between those who received TXA (2/6, 33%) and those who did not (3/6, 50%).

CONCLUSION

In this small series, TKA can lead to significant clinical improvement for patients with KTS. Modern blood management techniques and a careful multidisciplinary care approach render TKA a reasonable option for select patients with KTS.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV case series, therapeutic.

Risk factors associated with pain in patients with venous malformations of the extremities

Pain is a common symptom and the major complaint in patients with venous malformations of the extremities, which may lead to joint dysfunction and even walking disabilities. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate determined independent risk factors for pain in these patients. We retrospectively collected data for 168 patients with venous malformations of the extremities from January 16, 2013 to August 13, 2015. They were categorized into painful and painless groups according to the symptom and pain scores. Associations between pain and candidate factors were determined using univariate and multivariate analyses. A total of 125 (74.4%) patients with an average pain score of 4.4 were included in the painful group. In univariate analysis, age, lesion size, tissue involvement, and phleboliths were associated with pain. In the multivariate analysis, only type-II tissue involvement (adjusted odds ratio 4.57; p = 0.001) and phleboliths (adjusted odds ratio 2.44; p = 0.039) were identified as the independent risk factors. In conclusion, this study revealed that prevalence of pain in patients with venous malformations of the extremities was high. Patients who presented with type-II tissue involvement and phleboliths are more likely to suffer from pain.

Arteriovenous Malformations: Syndrome Identification and Vascular Management

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Vascular malformations represent a poorly understood set of conditions that create considerable diagnostic and therapeutic confusion. Historically, extensive surgical resections yielded poor results. More recently, the treatment paradigm has shifted to endovascular therapy such that embolization and sclerotherapy are now considered the first line of treatment. Although there is still a role for traditional surgical techniques, it is now most commonly integrated with endovascular therapies in a hybrid fashion. The goal of this review is to provide a greater understanding of the diagnosis and treatment of vascular malformations.

RECENT FINDINGS

Vascular malformations can be high-flow (arteriovenous shunting) or low-flow (venous or lymphatic). Clinical presentation and treatment is different for each. Treatment of high-flow lesions must be directed at reducing or eliminating the nidus, usually via super-selective catheterization and embolization. Low-flow lesions are usually treated by direct injection of sclerosing agents under fluoroscopic or ultrasound guidance. The cornerstone of managing patients with vascular malformations is making the proper diagnosis, which is often challenging. Even after a diagnosis is made, therapy itself may be challenging and generate frustration among patients and providers. Frequently, the treatment of vascular malformations is characterized by only slow and incremental improvements without complete lesion eradication. By combining a thorough understanding of the vascular malformation disease process with an array of endovascular techniques, vascular interventionalists may contribute greatly to the care of these patients.

Surgical Treatment of Venous Malformations of the Knee: Treatment Outcomes for 35 Patients

BACKGROUND

The place of open surgery in venous malformations (VMs) of knee joint is still discussed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefits of surgery in terms of pain, function, and quality of life.

DESIGN

This was a retrospective observational study.

METHODS

Thirty-five consecutive young patients undergoing surgery for VMs of the knee between 2011 and 2014 were included. Data collection was performed using a prospective database by reviewing patient records. Pain, mobility of the joint, residual VMs as seen by magnetic resonance imaging, and quality of life were the main outcome endpoints for this study.

RESULTS

Thirty-five patients (22 females and 13 males, with a median age of 15 y, range of 5 to 20 y) were included. Twenty-seven VMs were localized in and around the knee joint, of which 8 were extensive. Indication for surgery was intermittent or permanent pain.Details of the surgical excisions of the VM are as follows: suprapatellar area in 57%, suprapatellar and infrapatellar area in 29%, infrapatellar area in 2%, limited in the femoropatellar area in 12%. Partial resection of a vastus muscle or patellar retinaculum was necessary for 19 patients.The median duration of the surgery was 4 hours (range: 2 to 7 h). The median hospital stay was 5 days; full-time physiotherapy was systematic for 2 to 3 weeks.After 6 months, 74% had no longer pain, the mobility of the joint was normal for 60%. Of the 33 patients who had a magnetic resonance imaging at 6 months, 86% (28 patients) had no residual intra-articular VMs, and 14% had focal residual VMs.At the last follow-up, 77% (27 patients) had no longer pain, 23% experienced intermittent pain with unusual activities, and 91% (32 patients) had normal mobility of the joint. Quality of life was increased significantly due to the pronounced impact on pain.

CONCLUSION

Extensive surgical excision of knee VMs is a safe procedure with good outcomes in terms of pain, function, and quality of life.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II-retrospective observational monocentric study.

Preoperative Embolization of Venous Malformations Using n-Butyl Cyanoacrylate

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of preoperative percutaneous n-butyl cyanoacrylate (nBCA) embolization of venous malformations in children.

Material and Methods:

Clinical data were retrospectively reviewed in children who underwent embolization using nBCA followed by resection of venous malformations.

Results:

A total of 17 embolizations were performed in 14 patients (9 females, mean age: 5.5 years; median age: 3 years; range 0.1-16 years). The venous malformations involved the lower extremity and the knee joint (n = 7), the trunk (n = 4), head and neck (n = 2), and hand (n = 1). n-Butyl cyanoacrylate was diluted with iodized oil at a ratio of 1:3 to 1:5. The mean and median volume of nBCA per procedure were 2.1 and 2 mL, respectively (range: 0.5-8 mL). There were no complications associated with the procedures. The mean and median time between final embolization and resection were 3.6 and 2 days, respectively. All children underwent successful resection of the symptomatic lesions. The estimated mean and median blood loss were 75 and 50 mL, respectively (range: 5-350 mL). The postprocedure course was uneventful, the days to discharge ranged between 1 and 6 days (mean 3 days).

Conclusion:

Initial results suggest that preoperative percutaneous n-butyl cyanoacrylate embolization of venous malformations is safe and effective in children, with the potential for minimizing blood loss and inpatient stay.

Joint dysfunction associated with venous malformations of the limbs: Which patients are at high risk?

Objectives Joint dysfunction occurs frequently in patients with venous malformations of the extremities. This study aims to describe the risk factors of joint dysfunction in these patients. Method We retrospectively collected clinical and radiological aspects of 168 patients with extremity venous malformations from January 2013 to August 2015. Patients were categorized into "with joint dysfunction" or "without joint dysfunction" groups according to the symptoms. Results Forty-four (26%) patients were assigned into with joint dysfunction group. Univariate analysis showed that the significant variables were age (P = 0.008), location (P = 0.005), size (P < 0.001), involved tissue (P < 0.001), visual analogue scale scores of pain (P = 0.004), pain duration (P = 0.018), and therapy history (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that the factors associated with joint dysfunction were age below 10 years (adjusted odds ratio = 2.70, P = 0.004), lower limb (adjusted odds ratio = 2.72, P = 0.042), pain duration over 1 year (adjusted odds ratio = 3.47, P = 0.001) and therapy history (yes) (adjusted odds ratio = 3.71, P = 0.004). Conclusion This study provides preliminary evidence indicating which patients are at high risk for joint dysfunction associated with limb venous malformations.

Surgical Treatment of Intra-articular Knee Venous Malformations: When and How?

BACKGROUND

To assess the efficacy of surgical treatment of intra-articular knee venous malformations (VM).

METHODS

Between 1998 and 2010, 8 children (mean age: 12.3 y) underwent surgical resection of their vascular malformation (7 venous and 1 capillary venous) involving the knee joint. The lesion was diffuse in 6 cases and well-demarcated in 2 cases. All children were suffering from knee pain and had recurrent hemarthroses. Color-Doppler ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography scan, and blood test were performed preoperatively. Preoperative and postoperative physical examination, clinical symptoms, and orthopaedic evaluation were retrospectively reviewed. Surgery consisted in arthrotomy with total excision of the vascular malformation for the 2 well-demarcated lesions and synovectomy with squeezing of the surrounding vascular malformation for 5 diffuse lesions. One patient with an extensive venous malformation associated with severe localized intravascular coagulopathy and mild hemophilia A had undergone synovectomy by knee arthroscopy.

RESULTS

Immediate postoperative follow-up was uneventful in 6 patients, whereas 2 patients with diffuse vascular malformation and coagulopathy suffered from postoperative hemarthroses, delaying their rehabilitation. After a mean follow-up of 5.1 years, persistence of the VM within the joint was observed in the 6 initially diffuse lesions. The 2 well-demarcated lesions showed no evidence of disease at latest follow-up. Four patients with preoperative chondropathy and functional impairment were not substantially improved regarding their range of knee motion at latest follow-up, whereas the 4 others were free of symptoms. Only 1 patient presented a recurrent hemarthroses after a 5-year-symptom-free period and had to be reoperated. Patients without preoperative chondropathy recovered normal knee function mobility.

CONCLUSIONS

This retrospective study highlights the importance of early surgery in patients with intra-articular venous malformation, even if asymptomatic, to prevent joint impairment. For well-demarcated lesions, total resection by arthrotomy can provide definitive healing without resuming of symptoms. Although diffuse lesions treated by synovectomy still persist in the joint, treatment avoids recurrence of hemarthroses and, therefore, protects the cartilage from further erosion.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV-cases series.

Orthopedic issues in vascular anomalies

Vascular malformations impact the musculoskeletal system depending on the tissue involved (skin, subcutis, muscle, cartilage, or bone), the extent of involvement, and the type of anomalous vessels (arteries, capillaries, veins, or lymphatics). These malformations can cause a multitude of musculoskeletal problems for the patient and their Orthopedic Surgeon to manage. Leg-length discrepancy, intra-articular involvement, muscular lesions, and primary or secondary scoliosis are just to name a few. All of these problems can cause pain, deformity, and a range of functional limitations. Surgical and nonsurgical treatment plans both have a role in the care of these patients. Patients with vascular malformations may also suffer from life-threatening cardiovascular and hematologic abnormalities. For those patients who undergo surgery, thromboembolic risk is elevated, wound breakdown and infection are much more common, and bleeding risk continues well into the postoperative course. Because of the complex nature of these disorders, the clinician must have a full understanding of the types of lesions, their natural history, appropriate diagnostic studies, associated medical problems, indications for treatment, and all the treatment options. For severe malformations, especially syndromes such as CLOVES and Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome, interdisciplinary team management is essential for the best outcomes.

Venous malformations

Venous malformations are slow-flow congenital malformations. They consist of abnormal venous channels that do not involute. Venous malformations can either be superficial or involve deeper structures. Patients with venous malformations are often symptomatic. The most common complaint is pain from congestion, mass effect, or compression of neural structures. Swelling, compromise of function, and disfigurement are other common symptoms. Large lesions cause coagulopathy. Therapeutic options for the treatment of these patients include sclerotherapy, compression garments, and surgical resection. These complex patients are best treated in a multi-disciplinary clinic environment, as they require long-term follow-up throughout childhood into adulthood.

Diagnosis and management of extensive vascular malformations of the lower limb: part II. Systemic repercussions [corrected], diagnosis, and treatment

At least nine types of vascular malformations with specific clinical and radiologic characteristics must be distinguished in the lower limbs: Klippel-Trénaunay syndrome, port-wine stain with or without hypertrophy, cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita, macrocephaly-capillary malformation, Parkes Weber syndrome, Stewart-Bluefarb syndrome, venous malformation, glomuvenous malformation, and lymphatic malformation. Extensive vascular malformations are often more complex than they appear and require a multidisciplinary therapeutic approach. Vascular malformations may be associated with underlying disease or systemic anomalies. Part II of this two-part series on the diagnosis and management of extensive vascular malformations of the lower limb highlights the systemic repercussions [corrected] (bone, articular, visceral, and hematologic involvement), diagnosis, and treatment of these lesions.