[Femoral neuropathy caused by retroperitoneal hematoma]

Iliacus hematoma causing femoral neuropathy are mostly seen as a result of anticoagulation. Hematoma can occur even while correctly managed anticoagulant treatment because of drug interactions and/or coagulopathies caused by liver disease. Between 1999 and 2001 a 81 and a 68-year-old man were treated in our department because of retroperitoneal hematoma on the left side. Spinal disease and discus abnormalities were excluded with abdominal ultrasound, CT and MRI. The hematomas were operated on because of the progressive complaints and in one patient because of fever and sepsis. After the operation the patients were fast mobilised with help. To decrease the damage and to be cost-effective, hematomas causing neuropathy or other complications should be drained or operated on as soon as possible.