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Superior mesenteric vein tear with total hip arthroplasty
J N Grauer1, J M Keggi, K J Keggi
1Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Yale University School of Medicine, Waterbury, Connecticut, USA.
The Journal of Arthroplasty
|August 15, 2001
Summary
Total hip arthroplasty can cause rare injuries, including to the superior mesenteric vein. This case highlights a potential complication during acetabular component impaction in hip replacement surgery.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Complications
- Vascular Injury
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- Total hip arthroplasty (THA) involves significant physical forces during surgical procedures.
- Understanding potential complications is crucial for patient safety and surgical technique refinement.
Observation:
- A rare case of superior mesenteric vein (SMV) injury is reported following THA.
- The injury is hypothesized to occur during the impaction of the acetabular component.
Findings:
- This SMV injury complication has been previously documented primarily after high-energy, nonpenetrating trauma.
- This case represents a novel association with a total hip arthroplasty procedure.
Implications:
- Highlights the biomechanical forces exerted during THA and their potential for unexpected visceral injury.
- Suggests the need for heightened awareness and potentially modified surgical techniques to mitigate risks during acetabular component placement.
- Emphasizes the importance of considering intra-abdominal vascular injury in the differential diagnosis of postoperative complications following THA.