Impact of Chronic Venous Insufficiency on Outcomes After Total Knee Arthroplasty

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a highly successful surgical intervention for the treatment of end-stage knee osteoarthritis, providing significant pain relief and functional improvement. Despite advances in surgical techniques and perioperative care, postoperative complications-particularly wound healing problems and surgical site infections-remain clinically relevant and may adversely affect patient outcomes.

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a common vascular condition characterized by venous reflux, venous hypertension, and impaired microcirculation. These pathophysiological changes may lead to tissue edema, reduced oxygenation, and delayed wound healing. Although CVI has been associated with impaired soft tissue healing in various clinical settings, its impact on postoperative outcomes following TKA has not been clearly defined.

The aim of this prospective observational cohort study is to investigate the effect of preoperative CVI on wound healing, functional outcomes, and complication rates after primary TKA. Preoperatively, all patients will undergo a standardized venous assessment including clinical classification using the CEAP system and Doppler ultrasonography to evaluate venous reflux, vein diameter, and the anatomical distribution of insufficiency. Based on these assessments, patients will be stratified into CVI and non-CVI groups.

All procedures will be performed using a standardized surgical technique for primary TKA. Perioperative variables such as operative time, tourniquet use, and comorbidities will be recorded to control for potential confounders.

Postoperative follow-up will be conducted at regular intervals, including early wound assessment at 2 weeks and subsequent evaluations at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months. The primary outcome of the study will be wound healing complications in the early postoperative period, including delayed wound healing, wound dehiscence, and surgical site infections. Secondary outcomes will include functional outcomes measured by the Knee Society Score (KSS), patient-reported outcomes assessed by the WOMAC score, length of hospital stay, and overall complication rates.

Statistical analysis will include comparative analyses between groups and multivariate regression models to determine whether CVI is an independent predictor of postoperative complications and functional outcomes. The severity of venous insufficiency, as classified by CEAP, will also be analyzed in relation to clinical outcomes.

This study is expected to provide clinically relevant evidence regarding the role of CVI in TKA outcomes. Identifying CVI as a potential risk factor may improve preoperative risk stratification, guide perioperative management, and ultimately enhance patient outcomes following total knee arthroplasty.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty
• Age ≥ 50 years
• Ability to provide informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Revision TKA
• Peripheral arterial disease (ABI < 0.9)
• Active infection
• History of deep vein thrombosis within 6 months
• Immunosuppressive therapy
• Severe uncontrolled diabetes mellitus