Pseudoaneurysm of the superficial femoral artery after retrograde intramedullary nailing for a supracondylar femoral fracture

Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2014 Oct;96(7):e1-3. doi: 10.1308/003588414X13946184900165.

Abstract

Vascular complications of distal femoral fractures are rare but can have disastrous consequences if not recognised and treated promptly. We present the case of a 55-year-old woman who developed a pseudoaneurysm of the superficial femoral artery after osteosynthesis to repair a supracondylar femoral fracture. Eight weeks after surgery, swelling of the right thigh persisted and was accompanied by severe pain. Enhanced computed tomography revealed a pseudoaneurysm in the medial aspect of the affected thigh. Open surgical repair was performed by direct arterial suture. Although the true aetiology of the development of the pseudoaneurysm is unknown, a bony fragment from the reduction manoeuvre may have damaged the adventitia of the superficial femoral artery. In cases of continuous thigh swelling after osteosynthesis to repair a supracondylar femoral fracture, a diagnosis of pseudoaneurysm should be considered and treatment should be initiated immediately.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aneurysm, False / diagnostic imaging
  • Aneurysm, False / etiology*
  • Aneurysm, False / surgery
  • Female
  • Femoral Artery*
  • Femoral Fractures / diagnostic imaging
  • Femoral Fractures / surgery*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / adverse effects*
  • Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / methods
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnostic imaging
  • Postoperative Complications / surgery
  • Risk Assessment
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vascular Surgical Procedures / methods