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. 2011 Mar;45(2):178-80.
doi: 10.4103/0019-5413.77140.

Pseudoaneurysm of the anterior tibial artery: A rare complication of proximal tibial steinman pin insertion

Affiliations

Pseudoaneurysm of the anterior tibial artery: A rare complication of proximal tibial steinman pin insertion

Tarun Suri et al. Indian J Orthop. 2011 Mar.

Abstract

An anterior tibial artery pseudoaneurysm is a rare and unexpected complication of Steinmann pin insertion. We describe the case of an 18-year-old boy, who sustained such an injury to the anterior tibial artery during this procedure. Diagnosis was confirmed on a magnetic resonance (MR) angiogram. Aneurysmal sac excision with lateral repair of the vessel wall was performed. Postoperatively, a good flow was documented on a follow-up MR angiogram. This case highlights a major and unexpected complication of a so-called minor procedure. Too posterior a pin placement in the proximal tibia should be avoided to prevent such injuries.

Keywords: Anterior tibial artery; Steinmann pin; pseudoaneurysm.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: None.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Preoperative MR angiogram showing the pseudoaneurysm arising from the anterior tibial artery
Figure 2
Figure 2
Clinical photograph showing the scar of the upper tibial pin
Figure 3
Figure 3
Exposure of the anterior tibial artery with a pseudoaneurysm sac for proximal and distal control
Figure 4
Figure 4
Communication of the pseudoaneurysm sac with the main arterial lumen
Figure 5
Figure 5
Follow-up MR angiogram at three weeks, showing a good cross-sectional flow across the site of anastomosis
Figure 6
Figure 6
Cross-section of the leg showing the relationship of the anterior tibial artery with the tibia and intraosseous membrane

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