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Pseudotumor Caused by a Retained Intra-articular Bullet: A Case Report
Geoffrey Rohlfing1, Motasem Refaat, Robert Kollmorgen
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California San Francisco-Fresno, Fresno, California.
Case:
A 54-year-old man presented with systemic lead poisoning due to a gunshot wound to the hip suffered 35 years prior to presentation. He urgently underwent removal of the bullet with total hip arthroplasty and was found to have a pseudotumor. This case highlights the team-based approach to manage systemic lead poisoning caused by an intra-articular bullet.
Conclusion:
We report on the first documented case of systemic lead toxicity and a pseudotumor caused by an intra-articular bullet. An expeditious, team-based approach is necessary for appropriate treatment. Our treatment algorithm can guide future teams on the management of this reversible disorder.
