Aortic thrombosis after acetabular revision of a total hip arthroplasty

In the case described, infrarenal aortic thrombosis occurred after acetabular component revision in an 86-year-old man with recurrent dislocation of a total hip arthroplasty. Early diagnosis and prompt emergency vascular bypass operation were successful in restoring flow to the extremity, although the dislocation recurred. The literature is reviewed, and judicious steps for the avoidance of this serious complication are discussed.