Abstract
Disturbance of lung function during hip arthroplasty surgery is well recognised and, until now, only reported secondary to femoral instrumentation. We present a case report of per-operative acute pulmonary embolism that followed the insertion of an intereference fit acetabular component during hip resurfacing arthroplasty. A subsequent prospective study of per-operative lung function revealed that 9 out of 10 patients experienced an increase in pulmonary shunt value of up to 30% following socket insertion. The changes in shunt values were significant (p=0.009). We have highlighted for the first time the significant physiological disturbances that occur upon insertion of solid interference fit acetabular components, which although apparently transient, may prove life threatening.
These abstracts were prepared by Squadron Leader G. Pathak FRCS (Trauma & Orth). Correspondence should be addressed to him at Royal Hospital Haslar, Gosport, Hampshire PO12 2AA.
