Published online Jul 18, 2013. doi: 10.5312/wjo.v4.i3.154
Revised: April 15, 2013
Accepted: May 8, 2013
Published online: July 18, 2013
Processing time: 129 Days and 4.5 Hours
Femoral artery pseudoaneurysms (FAPs) have been described following internal fixation of intertrocantheric, subtrocantheric and intracapsular femoral neck fractures as well as core decompression of the femoral head. The diagnosis of FAP is usually delayed because of non-specific clinical features like pain, haematoma, swelling, occasional fever and unexplained anaemia. Because of the insidious onset and of the possible delayed presentation of pseudoaneurysms, orthopaedic and trauma surgeons should be aware of this complication. We report a case of Profunda Femoris arterial branch pseudoaneurysm, diagnosed in a 40-year-old male 4 wk after revision with Kuntscher intramedullary nail of a femoral shaft nonunion. The diagnosis was achieved by computed tomography angiography and the lesion was effectively managed by endovascular repair. The specific literature and suggestions for treatment are discussed in the paper.
Core tip: Femoral artery pseudoaneurysms (FAPs) are a reported possible complication of intramedullary nailing for acute femoral shaft fractures. In this report we describe the delayed occurrence of a FAP after revision surgery for femoral shaft nonunion, its diagnosis and management by endovascular repair and discuss the pertinent findings in the medical literature.