[Complications of unnecessary arterial puncture]

This case describes the complications of an arterial puncture in an 83-year-old female with a femoral neck fracture. Two arterial punctures were performed in the perioperative period. Ten days after surgery the patient was re-admitted with a pseudo aneurysm in the radial artery above the wrist. The artery was ligated and no signs of infection were found. Arterial puncture is an important source of information, but it is essential to use the correct aseptic technique and to apply compression to the artery afterwards. The indication should always be considered, as a venous blood sample can often provide the information needed.