Protrusion of an artificial femoral head: a rare complication of chronic dislocation of the prosthetic hip.

Abstract

Chronic dislocation is considered a rare complication after total hip arthroplasty. We have treated a patient with a complication related to chronic dislocation-protrusion of the prosthetic femoral head through the skin. This 86-year-old bedridden patient with a known dislocated total hip arthroplasty presented with fever and protrusion of an artificial femoral head after 2 months of a nonhealing pressure sore. The care of this patient was partial removal of the prosthetic components and intravenous antibiotics. Chronic dislocation is rarely reported, yet it may cause severe complications in debilitated and demented patients. Special attention should be warranted to these patients as they might benefit from earlier surgical treatment.