Pyoderma gangrenosum after hip hemiarthroplasty; a case report

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Surgical Complications

Background:

• Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare neutrophilic dermatosis.
• It often mimics infection, delaying diagnosis and treatment.
• PG can occur post-surgically, particularly after breast and abdominal procedures.

Observation:

• This report details a case of PG in an 86-year-old woman post-hip hemiarthroplasty.
• The patient sustained a neck of femur fracture prior to surgery.
• Diagnosis was confirmed two weeks postoperatively via biopsy.

Findings:

• The patient presented with pyoderma gangrenosum following hip surgery.
• Associated systemic manifestations included seizures and atrial fibrillation.
• Biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of pyoderma gangrenosum.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of considering pyoderma gangrenosum in post-surgical wound complications.
• Early recognition and appropriate treatment with corticosteroids are crucial.
• The occurrence after hip surgery expands the known spectrum of surgical triggers for PG.