Unsuspected non-Hodgkin's lymphoma discovered with routine histopathology after elective total hip arthroplasty.
The utility and cost-effectiveness of routine histologic examination of specimens from elective total joint procedures continues to be a source of debate. We describe a case of unsuspected non-Hodgkin's lymphoma discovered after routine histopathologic examination of a femoral head with osteoarthritis. The evidence both for and against routine tissue submission after elective arthroplasty cases is outlined in a review of the literature. By illustrating a neoplasm that would have been missed without routine pathologic examination, this case underscores a need for continued scrutiny of methods to effectively reduce medical costs while maintaining quality of care.
Lauder
Anthony J
AJ
The University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-1080, USA.
Cheatham
Seth A
SA
Garvin
Kevin L
KL
D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003955:Diagnostic Tests, Routine / Q000191:economics; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures; D005270:Femur Head / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008228:Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000473:pathology