Recurrent late hemarthrosis after total knee replacement

A patient who had a successful total knee replacement for severe degenerative osteoarthritis of the right knee had an excellent functional result. 2 years after the operation there was spontaneous intra-articular bleeding that was treated successfully conservatively. Recurrent hemarthrosis 2 months later was treated similarly and also resolved without residual functional impairment after a follow-up of over 1 year. Recurrent late hemarthrosis in the knee is a fairly rare complication following total knee arthroplasty, but is amenable to conservative measures. Frequently, persistent recurrent hemarthrosis requires debridement of the bleeding synovium of the knee.