title: Popliteal artery pseudoaneurysm: an unusual complication of tibial traction.
abstract: Traction pins are an essential tool in the orthopedic surgeon's armamentarium. Historically a definitive treatment for some fractures, they are mainly used as a temporizing measure today. Despite their frequent use and relative simplicity, traction pins can have complications, many of which can be subtle and easily overlooked. Here we report on an unusual complication that was difficult to diagnose but caused significant morbidity before being diagnosed and treated. Pseudoaneurysms can cause a range of symptoms and usually present as a painful, tender, pulsatile mass, but in this instance the popliteal artery pseudoaneurysm presented as chronic, painful lower extremity swelling. With diagnosis and treatment, the patient's symptoms resolved. We discuss the complications associated with traction-pin placement.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Southside Hospital, Bay Shore, NY. dr.michael.linn@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Michael S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Linn
authors.forename: Andrew A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Indresano
authors.forename: Alexandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Schwartz
mesh_terms: D017541:Aneurysm, False / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D001858:Bone Nails / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic; D005260:Female; D005270:Femur Head / Q000293:injuries*; D006617:Hip Dislocation / Q000628:therapy; D006620:Hip Fractures / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D011150:Popliteal Artery / Q000293:injuries*; D013977:Tibia / Q000601:surgery; D014143:Traction / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation; D055815:Young Adult