Hip Pelvis.  2013 Mar;25(1):77-81. 10.5371/hp.2013.25.1.77.

Sciatic Nerve Palsy Due to Hematoma Following Anticoagulation Therapy for Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism after Total Hip Arthroplasty - A Case Report -

• Lee SH
• Sim GB

• KMID: 1425040
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5371/hp.2013.25.1.77

Abstract

Nerve palsy as a complication of hematoma following total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a rare development. Although rare, this complication can cause permanent nerve palsy. The authors experienced a case of recovery from sciatic nerve palsy after emergency evacuation of a hematoma. The expanding thigh hematoma was due to anticoagulation treatment for prevention of venous thromboembolism after total hip arthroplasty. After 10 months from the operation, the patient regained complete motor power and leads an ordinary life. The authors would like to emphasize the danger of hematoma following anticoagulation therapy for prevention of venous thromboembolism after total hip arthroplasty.

Keyword

Total hip arthroplasty; Hematoma; Sciatic nerve palsy

MeSH Terms

Arthroplasty
Emergencies
Hematoma
Hip
Humans
Paralysis
Sciatic Nerve
Sciatic Neuropathy
Thigh
Venous Thromboembolism

Figure

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  Fig. 1 (A) Preoperative and (B) postoperative anteroposterior radiograph of the total hip.

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  Fig. 2 (A) Before hematoma evacuation, axial computed tomography scan shows large amount of hematoma between gluteus maximus and vastus lateralis muscle. (B) After hematoma evacuation, axial computed tomography scan shows drastically reduced hematoma between gluteus maximus and vastus lateralis muscle.

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