Case report

Femoral artery thrombosis after internal fixation of a transverse acetabular fracture in a patient with osteogenesis imperfecta type I

Navid M Ziran¹ , Jeffrey L Johnson² , Steven J Morgan¹ and Wade R Smith¹

¹Department of Orthopaedics, Rocky Mountain Regional Trauma Center, Denver Health Medical Center, Denver, Colorado, USA

²Department of Surgery, Rocky Mountain Regional Trauma Center, Denver Health Medical Center, Denver, Colorado, USA

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Patient Safety in Surgery 2008, 2:1doi:10.1186/1754-9493-2-1

Published:	14 January 2008

Abstract

Osteogenesis imperfecta is a genetic disorder characterized by increased susceptibility to fractures and vascular injuries due to connective tissue fragility. In this case report, we present a patient with osteogenesis imperfecta type I who sustained a transverse fracture of the right acetabulum while transferring from bed to chair. The fracture was repaired through an ilioinguinal approach. During the surgery, an iatrogenic injury to the femoral artery and vein occurred. This intraoperative complication was salvaged by immediate vascular repair. We discuss the possible causes of iatrogenic vascular injuries in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta. Orthopaedic surgeons should be aware of this potentially devastating complication in this particular patient cohort.