Cement extrusion during hip arthroplasty causing pain and obturator nerve impingement.

Abstract

Cement extrusion during total hip arthroplasty is a common finding and is usually harmless. A rare case of obturator nerve impingement causing pain and atrophy of the adductor muscles of the hip is described. The computed tomographic images revealed an atrophied thigh adductor compartment. Injection of local anesthetic/steroid around the cement mass under computed tomographic guidance relieved the symptoms briefly. The cement mass was excised, and complete recovery was achieved. Persistent pain and muscle weakness after total hip arthroplasty with evidence of extruded cement may indicate this complication. Injection of local anesthetic/steroid under image guidance can help elucidate this diagnosis and provide a pain-relieving effect.