Trial femoral head loss in to the soft tissues of pelvis during primary total hip replacement: a case report

The loss of trial femoral head in the soft tissues is a rare per operative complication in total hips replacement. We report the loss of the femoral head in surrounding hip joint soft tissues and unsuccessful attempts to locate and remove it. Surgeons should be aware of such complication as trial femoral heads usually are made from non radiolucent material and cannot be detected by regular x-ray examination during surgery. The industry should consider manufacturing trial femoral heads from x-ray visible material.