DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS FOLLOWING ACUTE ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RUPTURE

Zorica Vangelovska; Nikola Gramatnikovski; Zoran Nestorovski; Darko Talevski; Ana Marija Maneva

Zorica Vangelovska General Hospital “8th September”, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Skopje, North Macedonia
Nikola Gramatnikovski University Clinic of Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Skopje, Faculty of Medicine, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, North Macedonia
Zoran Nestorovski General Hospital “8th of September”, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Skopje, North Macedonia
Darko Talevski General Hospital “8th of September”, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Skopje, North Macedonia
Ana Marija Maneva PHI Clinical Hospital-Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Shtip, North Macedonia

Abstract

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is an uncommon complication following isolated ligamentous knee injuries, such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture, particularly in young and otherwise healthy individuals. We report the case of a 38-year-old male who sustained an ACL tear while playing basketball. Two weeks after the injury, during physiotherapy he developed swelling and pain in the left calf. Duplex ultrasonography confirmed thrombosis of the common femoral and popliteal veins. Laboratory findings were within normal limits, except for a mildly elevated D-dimer level. The patient was treated with therapeutic low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) and supportive measures. Follow-up imaging at six weeks demonstrated partial venous recanalization. This case highlights that ACL rupture alone may predispose patients to venous thromboembolism (VTE), even in the absence of surgical intervention or traditional risk factors. Early recognition and prompt treatment are essential to prevent potentially life-threatening complications.

Keywords: deep vein thrombosis, ACL, venous thromboembolism, knee trauma.

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