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Computerized Dynamic Posturography for Postural Control Assessment in Patients with Intermittent Claudication
Published on: December 11, 2013
Severe potential consequences of delayed diagnosis in patients with hip claudication
M A Enzler1, A J Leu, H P Klotz
1Klinik Hirslanden, Witellikerstrasse 40, 8029 Zürich, Switzerland. markus.enzler@hirslanden.ch
Insights
Delayed diagnosis of hip claudication can cause severe issues. Screening men over 60 for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) is crucial to prevent misdiagnosis and improve patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Orthopaedic Surgery
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Ischaemic hip claudication is often misdiagnosed as coxarthrosis, delaying appropriate treatment.
- Delayed diagnosis can lead to severe patient consequences and missed opportunities for life-saving interventions.
Observation:
- Two cases of ischaemic hip claudication are presented, initially attributed to coxarthrosis.
- One patient underwent unnecessary hip arthroplasty, while the other had an undiagnosed, life-threatening abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).
Findings:
- A high index of suspicion for vascular disease is essential in patients presenting with hip claudication.
- Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) can present as hip claudication, necessitating vascular evaluation.
Implications:
- Orthopaedic surgeons must consider vascular causes in patients with hip pain.
- Routine abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening via ultrasonography is recommended for all men over 60, regardless of presenting complaint.
Abstract:
Delayed diagnosis in patients with hip claudication can lead to severe consequences. We report on patients with ischaemic hip claudication which had primarily been attributed to coxarthrosis. One patient went through a variety of treatments including hip arthroplasty. The second patient had a life-threatening abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) which remained undiagnosed. Orthopaedic surgeons should maintain a high degree of suspicion for vascular disease. Moreover, we strongly advocate that all men over 60 years old who seek medical advice for whatever reason should be screened once for AAA by ultrasonography.
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