Femoral artery thrombus complicating open reduction of congenital hip dislocation

There are no reports in the literature of femoral artery thrombi occurring as a complication of open reduction of congenital hip displacement. In an 11-month-old female infant, a femoral artery thrombus most likely formed as a result of compression of the femoral artery with a muscle retractor hook used in performing Ludloff's procedure. Femoral artery thrombi should be considered as a possible complication of reduction of congenital hip dislocation with Ludloff's procedure.