Surgical treatment of obturator nerve palsy resulting from extrapelvic extrusion of cement during total hip arthroplasty

A female patient was successfully treated surgically for obturator nerve pa lsy resulting from extrapelvic extrusion of cement during total hip arthrop lasty. Obturator nerve palsy developed because of the extrapelvic extrusion of cement medially in the anterior part of the incisura acetabuli in the z one of the extrapelvic exit of the obturator tunnel. Compression of the obt urator nerve was confirmed by electromyography. After surgical removal of a piece of cement, 2.5 cm in length, which was done ii months after total hi p arthroplasty, and after 6 months of intensive postoperative rehabilitatio n, the patient was able to return to everyday activities and normal working habits. After 1 year, clinical and electromyography, results were almost c ompletely normal. A review of current knowledge regarding obturator nerve i njuries resulting from total hip arthroplasty is presented.