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Intracolonic Migration of a Dislocated Acetabular Cup Prosthesis
Jack R Lubka1,2,3, Cyrus Tamboli1,3,4, Philip Brunetti3,5
1University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida.
HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine
|May 19, 2025
Summary
A rare hip replacement complication, acetabular cup migration, occurred without fistula formation. This case details a prosthetic acetabular cup migrating entirely into the colon, a unique presentation without significant hip injury or bowel perforation.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Gastrointestinal Surgery
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Acetabular cup migration is a rare complication following hip replacement surgery.
- Prosthetic migration into the colon, often forming a coloarticular fistula, has been reported.
- This case presents a unique instance of complete intracolonic migration without fistula formation.
Observation:
- A 53-year-old female presented with abdominal pain and rectal bleeding post-hip replacement.
- CT imaging confirmed the acetabular cup had migrated into the colon.
- The patient underwent successful retrieval of the acetabular component via colonoscopy and surgery.
Findings:
- The acetabular cup migrated into the colon without creating a fistula.
- No significant hip joint injury or bowel perforation was noted.
- This represents the first documented case of complete intracolonic migration of an acetabular prosthesis without associated complications.
Implications:
- Highlights the potential for unusual migration patterns of orthopedic implants.
- Emphasizes the importance of thorough diagnostic imaging in unexplained abdominal symptoms post-hip replacement.
- Suggests the need for further investigation into the mechanisms of implant migration without fistula formation.
