ABSTRACT
Introduction: We describe an alternative presentation of 2 cases of femur fractures with pseudoaneurysms of the profunda femoris artery.
Clinical Picture: In both cases, there is a recurrent triad of: (1) thigh swelling, (2) bleeding from the fasciotomy wound, and (3) anaemia with a falling haemoglobin trend. Treatment: Surgical exploration is often not diagnostic or therapeutic. Angiography can accurately diagnose the presence of a pseudoaneurysm and intervention with coil embolisation is effective in arresting further bleeding. Outcome: Both cases show good outcome following coil embolisation. Conclusion: Recognition of this triad is necessary to ensure early accurate diagnosis so that proper treatment is rendered to prevent further recurrent bleeds.Pseudoaneurysms of the profunda femoris artery have been reported following blunt and penetrating trauma to the thigh, and orthopaedic procedures of the proximal femur. These pseudoaneurysms can present in various forms, such as a painful pulsatile mass, or even thigh compartment syndrome.
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