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A false aneurysm mistaken for a DVT after hip surgery
Maitham Alwhouhayb1, Alfred Howard
1A Loh Institution, Barnet General Hospital, London.
Summary
A rare case of profunda femoris artery (PFA) false aneurysm occurred after femur fracture surgery. This arterial injury was caused by a dislodged bone fragment, highlighting a novel complication in orthopaedic procedures.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Orthopaedic Surgery
- Trauma Surgery
Background:
- False or pseudoaneurysms typically result from arterial wall injury due to trauma, iatrogenic causes, or infection.
- Puncture injuries to the common femoral artery frequently lead to pseudoaneurysm formation.
- False aneurysm of the profunda femoris artery (PFA) is an uncommon complication, especially following orthopaedic interventions.
Observation:
- This report details a unique instance of a PFA false aneurysm.
- The aneurysm developed subsequent to orthopaedic surgery for a femur fracture.
- The causative factor identified was arterial damage from a dislodged bone fragment.
Findings:
- A false aneurysm of the profunda femoris artery (PFA) was diagnosed.
- The PFA false aneurysm was directly linked to a bone fragment displaced during femur fracture surgery.
- This represents the first reported case of PFA false aneurysm as a complication of orthopaedic surgery.
Implications:
- This case expands the known spectrum of arterial complications associated with orthopaedic surgery.
- It underscores the importance of considering arterial injury, even from seemingly minor causes like bone fragments.
- Awareness of this potential complication may improve diagnostic vigilance and patient outcomes in femur fracture management.