False aneurysm of the superficial femoral artery after total hip arthroplasty: a case report

Abstract

Vascular lesions in hip prosthetic replacement are rare events; it is mandatory to be aware of the risk, though, in order of the vascular bundle's proximity to the surgical field. A 74-year-old patient was admitted to our department for primary hip arthroplasty for osteoarthritis. The patient was healthy but had mild hypertension. A cemented total hip prosthesis was implanted. The patient complained of growing groin pain and swelling from the third postoperative day. The suspicion of a vascular injury arose with worsening pain and low haemoglobin at blood tests. Then ultrasonography scans and digital angiography were performed, showing a superficial femoral artery pseudo-aneurysm. The patient had further surgery to repair the lesion. In the described case, the pseudo-aneurysm might have been caused by the pulling of a Hohmann retractor on arterial vessels possibly affected by atherosclerosis. The final output was favourable, but the authors point out that knowledge of neurovascular anatomy is necessary as well as postoperative surveillance of the clinical presentation of the patient if groin pain or swelling should arise. In the case of suspicion of vascular lesions, ultrasound and angiography will allow diagnosis and confirm the indication for surgical repair.