“External Iliac Artery Injury After Total Hip Arthroplasty in an Infected Intrapelvic Hemiarthroplasty”

Abstract

Case: We report a patient with intrapelvic prosthetic protrusion associated with infection after hemiarthroplasty for a fracture neck of the femur. We discuss the challenges involved in the management of this complex case with recommendations to manage a vascular injury. Conclusion: In patients with an intrapelvic prosthesis, thorough preoperative vascular evaluation and vigilant postoperative check are required to prevent a vascular injury. In a suspected vessel injury after primary or revision total hip arthroplasty, it is imperative to get proximal control of the vessel before re-exploration. A combined arterial Doppler and computerized tomography angiogram is more reliable in picking up arterial impingement by acetabular screws.