Harpreet Kaur1, Jaspreet Dil2, Ranjana3
BACKGROUND
Thromboembolism is a common and serious complication of joint replacement surgery. Cognitive decline occurs in 5-29% of patients, undergoing major orthopaedic surgery. Many studies show that systemic embolism may occur in the absence of venous-arterial shunts leading to cognitive dysfunction and neurological sequelae.
METHODS
We present two cases of neurological consequences occurring post bilateral TKR. Cases were successfully done under Combined Spinal Epidural Anaesthesia. Steroids were not used intraoperatively.
RESULTS
Both cases had neurological complications following completion of surgery. First case had posterior circulation TIA while the other had a right upper motor neuron facial palsy.
CONCLUSION
We suspect both as cases of cerebral fat microembolism in the absence of any venous-arterial shunt.
