title: Unsuspected non-Hodgkin's lymphoma discovered with routine histopathology after elective total hip arthroplasty.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: The University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-1080, USA.
authors.forename: Anthony J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Lauder
authors.forename: Seth A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Cheatham
authors.forename: Kevin L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Garvin
mesh_terms: 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