Pseudotumour and Metallosis after Revision Total Hip Replacement. Case Study

Metallosis is a complication of hip arthroplasty. This pathological process contributes to the loosening and dislocation of the prosthesis. This article discusses the case of a 61-year-old patient who reported pressure and pain as well as a palpable subcutaneous lump in the left lower abdomen and groin area. Medical history included total arthroplasty and repeat arthroplasty of the left hip joint, hysterectomy, appendectomy and a laparoscopic fundoplasty. A CT scan and ultrasound showed an unrecognised heterogeneous fluid area raising suspicions of a rumour mass or an old haematoma. After exclusion of gastrointestinal pathology, the patient was referred to the department of trauma and orthopaedic surgery, where a new x-ray of the hip, ultrasound and CT scan were performed and loosening of the prosthesis was ruled out. The pathological tissue was removed surgically through an incision in the groin area. On the basis of intraoperative changes, the pseudotumour was diagnosed as metallosis based. In con-clusion, any suspicion of a pseudotumour requires extensive and accurate evaluation, excluding general surgical causes. Complete surgical removal of the tumour is the only effective method of treatment.