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Vesico-acetabular fistula
B M Tripp1, M Tanzer, M P Laplante
1Division of Urology, McGill University, Montreal General Hospital, Quebec, Canada.
The Journal of Urology
|June 1, 1995
Summary
This is the first reported case of a prosthetic vesico-acetabular fistula, a rare complication occurring 12 years after total hip arthroplasty. The study details its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Medical Device Complications
Background:
- Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a common orthopedic procedure.
- Prosthetic joint infections and fistulas are known complications, but rare.
- Vesico-acetabular fistulas are exceptionally uncommon, especially isolated prosthetic types.
Observation:
- A patient presented with symptoms suggestive of a urinary tract issue.
- Imaging revealed an unusual connection between the urinary bladder and the acetabulum.
- This fistula was directly associated with a prosthetic hip implant.
Findings:
- The case represents the first documented instance of an isolated prosthetic vesico-acetabular fistula.
- The fistula developed 12 years post-THA, highlighting a late complication.
- Etiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic approaches, and management strategies were analyzed.
Implications:
- This case expands the spectrum of known complications following total hip arthroplasty.
- It underscores the importance of considering rare fistulous pathways in patients with prior hip implants and urological symptoms.
- Further research may be needed to understand the specific mechanisms and long-term outcomes of such rare fistulas.