Abstract

Iatrogenic vascular injuries during total hip arthroplasty (THA) are rare but have serious consequences. The early diagnosis of vascular injuries is often difficult as the signs and symptoms are not specific. The average frequency is between 0.16% and 0.25%. Various mechanisms described in literature for causing iatrogenic vascular insult are injuries by retractors, mechanical stress, laceration, thrombotic occlusion and formation of false aneurysm. Such complications better be prevented or efficiently treated by thorough pre-operative evaluation and vigilant post-operative examination. A case of common femoral artery thrombosis following THA is presented with emphasis on difficult aspect of diagnosis and management.

Keywords

iatrogenic, vascular injuries, total hip arthroplasty (THA), common femoral artery, thrombosis, post-operative examination, extremity, recovery room, CT angiogram, neurovascular deficit, acetabular revision, trauma, arterial tearing, arthroplasty, thrombolysis