Abstract
1. Paralysis of the femoral nerve secondary to haemorrhage of the iliopsoas muscle is described.
2. Four cases are presented. None of the patients had haemophilia, but one was receiving anticoagulant treatment–the second reported case in the literature. Only one case in a non-haemophiliac not receiving anticoagulants has been described previously. We have added three more such cases.
3. This condition can usually be managed conservatively because recovery can be expected. We believe that operation is indicated only if the lesion progresses and the symptoms and signs increase.
4. These cases underline the importance of assessing the femoral nerve in patients with hip symptoms after trauma. Iliopsoas haemorrhage should be suspected as the cause of femoral nerve neuropathy in cases of trauma to the back in adolescents or in those receiving anticoagulants.
