Iatrogenic blunt arterial injury during a hip fracture surgery.
Iatrogenic non-penetrating arterial injuries have been reported following primary and revision hip arthroplasties. We report a patient who developed acute limb ischaemia after dynamic hip screw fixation was performed for an unstable intertrochanteric fracture. We discuss a previously unreported mechanism of traction creating tension on the atherosclerosed vessels and medial retraction tenting and breaking the vessel wall lining. This case highlights a serious complication in one of the most commonly performed hip surgeries.
Bansal
Rajeev
R
Department of Orthopaedics, Wrexham Maelor Hospital, Wrexham, North Wales, LL13 7TD, United Kingdom. smiraj@rediffmail.com
Laing
Patrick W
PW
D000058:Accidental Falls; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001863:Bone Screws; D018450:Disease Progression; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D005263:Femoral Artery / Q000293:injuries*; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D006620:Hip Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007049:Iatrogenic Disease; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D011859:Radiography; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery