False aneurysm of perforating branch of the profunda femoris artery after external fixation for a complicated femur fracture

Abstract

False aneurysm of the profunda femoris artery rarely occurs and is a serious complication following femur fracture. A 39-year-old man who developed a false aneurysm arising from the perforating branch of the profunda femoris artery following an external fixation for a complicated femur fracture was presented. Clinical diagnosis was confirmed by selective arterial angiography after occurrence of significant hemorrhage and swelling of the injured thigh. The false aneurysm was treated by ligation of the perforating branch of the profunda femoris artery and excision of the aneurysmal sac via the medial approach. Clinical status of the patient was uneventful postoperatively. The right thigh swelling decreased rapidly following the operation in 1 week. The patient was discharged on the 10th postoperative day with external fixation. False aneurysm in a branch of the profunda femoris artery is a very rare status following application of the external fixator due to complicated femur fracture. Related literatures and interventions were reviewed on the basis of this case.