Growth of an intrapelvic pseudotumor associated with a metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty after revision arthroplasty causing a femoral nerve neuropathy

Abstract

The development of pseudotumors is not uncommon with metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty. Pseudotumors that dissect into the retroperitoneal space can cause symptoms of nerve compression. We describe a case of a 53-year-old male with a metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty who developed mild symptoms of a femoral nerve neuropathy 6 years postoperatively. Revision arthroplasty to a ceramic-on-polyethylene articulation and debridement of the pseudotumor was performed. Postoperatively, the patient's femoral neuropathy progressed and a repeat magnetic resonance imaging showed an increase in size of the pseudotumor despite the removal of the offending metal-on-metal articulation. The patient subsequently underwent a laparoscopic excision of the retroperitoneal pseudotumor. By 17 months post laparoscopic excision of the pseudotumor, the patient's motor deficits resolved, however, sensory deficits persisted in the anteromedial thigh.

Keywords

• Pseudotumor
• Femoral nerve neuropathy
• Metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty