Giant synovial cyst of the hip joint presenting with femoral vein compression

H W Bolhuis1, T S Van der Werf, T Tjabbes

  • 1Department of Surgery, Sophia Hospital, Zwolle, The Netherlands.

The Netherlands Journal of Surgery
|June 1, 1990
PubMed

Insights

A large hip joint cyst mimicked deep venous thrombosis by compressing the femoral vein. Prompt diagnosis and treatment resolved the patient's leg swelling and pain.

Area of Science:

  • Orthopedics
  • Vascular Surgery
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a common cause of leg swelling.
  • Femoral vein compression can present with DVT-like symptoms.
  • Hip joint pathology can rarely cause extrinsic vascular compression.

Observation:

  • A patient presented with clinical signs suggestive of DVT.
  • Diagnostic imaging revealed a large hip joint cyst compressing the femoral vein, without evidence of thrombus.
  • The cyst was identified as the cause of venous obstruction.

Findings:

  • The patient's symptoms were attributed to extrinsic compression of the femoral vein by a hip joint cyst.
  • Non-thrombotic femoral vein compression can mimic DVT.
  • Successful management involved addressing the underlying cystic lesion.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the importance of considering rare causes of venous compression.
  • Accurate diagnostic imaging is crucial for differentiating DVT from extrinsic compression.
  • Understanding the differential diagnosis for leg swelling is essential for effective patient management.

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