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Popliteal aneurysm after plate osteosynthesis. A case report.
B F Nielsen1, P Rørdam, J K Christoffersen
1Department of Vascular Surgery and Urology, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark.
Acta Orthopaedica Scandinavica
|August 1, 1987
Summary
A screw tip from prior femoral fracture surgery caused a popliteal artery aneurysm, leading to acute limb ischemia 23 years later. This case highlights a rare complication of internal fixation devices.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Medical Device Complications
Background:
- Plate osteosynthesis is a common procedure for distal femoral fractures.
- Internal fixation devices, like screws, are used to stabilize bone fragments.
- Complications can arise years after orthopedic surgery.
Observation:
- A patient presented with acute ischemic symptoms in the lower limb.
- Imaging revealed a false aneurysm of the popliteal artery.
- The aneurysm occurred 23 years post-osteosynthesis for a distal femoral fracture.
Findings:
- A protruding screw tip from the previous surgery was identified within the aneurysmal sac.
- The screw tip is presumed to be the cause of the arterial damage and pseudoaneurysm formation.
- This represents a rare, late-onset complication of internal fixation.
Implications:
- Highlights the potential for delayed complications from orthopedic hardware.
- Emphasizes the importance of considering prior surgical history in diagnosing limb ischemia.
- Suggests vigilance for unusual presentations of vascular complications after osteosynthesis.