The Orthobullets Podcast Podiums | Recon | Dealing with Intraoperative Complications in Outpatient TKA MCL Injury, Extensor Injury, Fracture
Sep 12, 2025
Dr. Courtney Bell, an expert speaker at medical events, delves into managing intraoperative complications in outpatient TKA. She emphasizes critical preventive measures for MCL injuries, extensor mechanism injuries, and fractures. Key insights include essential tools and supplies for effective injury management, as well as strategies to identify and repair these issues during surgery. The conversation highlights the importance of preparation in achieving successful outcomes in an Ambulatory Surgery Center.
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Prepare A Minimal Emergency Kit
- Stock seven essential items at your ASC: brace/immobilizer, heavy suture, suture passer, anchors, free needle, small frag set, and cerclage cables.
- Also ensure stem extensions per implant and manual instruments for robotic workflows to avoid aborting cases.
Prevention Outweighs Reactive Management
- Extensor mechanism and tissue-related complications are rare but have high morbidity if missed intraoperatively.
- Prevention and preparedness in the ASC are far more impactful than remote contingency planning.
Always Have Manual Backup For Robotics
- Convert to manual instrumentation immediately if image-based robotics becomes unreliable due to fracture or registration issues.
- Be ready to add stems or convert to revision components to bypass or stabilize intraoperative fractures.