Tibial Post Fracture After Total Knee Arthroplasty: Ultrasound as a Viable Diagnostic Tool

Abstract

Case: A 60-year-old woman presented with knee instability and pain that started approximately 13 years after a posterior stabilized total knee arthroplasty. Physical examination revealed significant posterior laxity. Bedside ultrasound (US) documented a free-floating, hyperechoic linear artifact within the posterior knee joint capsule. Revision with liner of increased thickness alleviated presenting symptoms. Conclusion: Tibial postfractures often present with instability and pain. Diagnosis of a tibial postfracture can be based on clinical examination; other diagnostics commonly used include arthroscopy or computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging. US by a qualified sonographer is a potential diagnostic route that should be explored more rigorously.