Iatrogenic Pseudoaneurysm of the Lateral Femoral Circumflex Artery Following Antegrade Intramedullary Femur Nailing: A Case Report

• Published in: CUREUS JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCE
• Main Authors: Ashar, Nur Ayuni Khirul; Ismail, Imma Isniza; Lingam, Rahul
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: SPRINGERNATURE 2024
• Subjects: General & Internal Medicine
• Online Access: https://www-webofscience-com.uitm.idm.oclc.org/wos/woscc/full-record/WOS:001153322200041

Few cases of femoral artery pseudoaneurysm or its branches have been reported following intramedullary nailing of femur fractures. The occurrence of a false aneurysm of the lateral femoral circumflex artery (LFCA) for such a fracture has never been reported so far. We report a case of a young male with a delayed presentation of right thigh swelling following an antegrade interlocking nail femur. Ultrasonography and CT angiography of the right thigh confirmed a pseudoaneurysm communicating with LFCA. After unsuccessful ultrasound-guided compression therapy, the patient underwent embolization of the right LFCA pseudoaneurysm by an interventional radiologist. Although intramedullary nailing is considered a safe procedure, a pseudoaneurysm should be suspected when the patient presents with a painful swelling after the surgery. Glue embolization of the artery should be considered as one of the treatment options, as it yields favorable outcomes with less morbidity.