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Fistula between the hip and the caecum.
The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. British Volume
|August 1, 1984
Summary
A rare hip complication occurred 39 years post-arthrodesis. A migrated surgical nail led to a hip-to-caecum fistula, which resolved with conservative treatment.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Gastrointestinal Surgery
- Medical Case Reports
Background:
- Arthrodesis is a surgical procedure to fuse bones, often used for hip joint instability.
- Complications from orthopedic implants can occur years after initial surgery.
- Fistula formation between the hip and gastrointestinal tract is an extremely rare event.
Observation:
- A patient developed a painful right hip 39 years after hip arthrodesis.
- Radiographs revealed a migrated Smith-Petersen nail from the hip into the pelvic cavity.
- The nail was surgically removed.
Findings:
- Within a week of nail removal, a fistula formed between the hip and the caecum.
- The fistula discharged alimentary contents, indicating a connection to the digestive system.
- Conservative management was initiated for the fistula.
Implications:
- This case highlights a unique long-term complication of hip arthrodesis with internal fixation.
- It underscores the importance of monitoring for late-onset implant-related issues.
- Prompt conservative treatment can be effective for resolving such rare gastrointestinal-orthopedic fistulas.