Pseudoaneurysm of a branch of the profunda femoris artery following distal locking of an intramedullary hip nail: an unusual anatomical location

Abstract

Vascular complications following internal fixation of trochanteric femoral fractures are extremely rare. Iatrogenic injury to the profunda femoris artery or one of its branches and resultant pseudoaneurysm formation has been documented, most commonly following sliding hip screw fixation and typically arises on the posteromedial aspect of the femur. We report an unusual variation, following proximal femoral nailing of an intertrochanteric femoral neck fracture, where the pseudoaneurysm presented four weeks following surgery on the posterolateral aspect of the femur. The mechanism of injury, clinical presentation and potential preventative measures are discussed.