Dwarfism Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Dwarfism, including details on genetics, diet, mental and motor development.

Femoral perforation complicating contemporary uncemented hip arthroplasty.

Wade FA, Parvizi J, Sharkey PF, Purtill JJ, Hozack WJ

Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rothman Institute at Thomas Jefferson Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107, USA.

This case series reports on 4 patients in whom intraoperative penetration of the femoral cortex occurred and went unrecognized on routine postoperative radiographs. This case series highlights some important points. Femoral cortex penetration can and does occur with uncemented hip arthroplasty and is likely to occur when surgical exposure is difficult and inadequate (such as in patients with severe obesity) or some form of proximal femoral deformity exists (such as patients with achondroplasia). Extra diligence should be exercised to avoid this complication in the high-risk patients, and adequate 2-plain radiographs may need to be ordered intraoperatively if such complication is suspected.

Published 21 April 2006 in J Arthroplasty, 21(3): 452-5.
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