Misery of Orthopaedic Surgeon: Delayed Diagnosis of Pseudoaneurysm of Profunda Femoris Artery Following Fixation of Intertrochanteric Femoral Fracture: A Case Report and Review of Literature

INTRODUCTION: Pseudoaneurysm of profunda femoris artery is an uncommonly reported vascular mishap after orthopedic procedures around proximal femur. Diagnostic dilemma and resulting delay are quite common due to varied clinical presentations. CASE PRESENTATION: Herein, we report a case of a 65-year-old lady who was diagnosed in our institution with pseudoaneurysm of profunda femoris artery 3 months after getting operated for intertrochanteric fracture of right femur in a private hospital. She started having gradually enlarging painful thigh swelling of the involved limb 1 month after operation. She also developed concurrent weakness, anemia, and received multiple blood transfusions before being referred to our institution. Diagnosis was clinched with duplex ultrasound imaging and subsequent digital subtraction angiography with coil embolization was performed. She made an uneventful and speedy recovery, and doing well till the last follow-up. CONCLUSION: Timely diagnosis is paramount to avoid limb- and life-threatening sequelae; surgeons should keep strong vigil to administer the timely intervention. Various preventive strategies during fixation of intertrochanteric fracture should be deployed to keep this untoward entity in abeyance.