Pseudocyst formation after intertrochanteric fracture fixation: A case report

We describe a 62-year-old woman who developed two pseudocysts, 25 x 15 cm a nd 20 x 12 cm, in the left proximal thigh as a complication 19 years after internal fixation of an intertrochanteric fracture. She received a 135 degr ees dynamic hip screw and side plate in May 1979. She continued to live at home without major discomfort until May 1997. Two huge pseudocysts were not ed in the left proximal thigh without trauma history, Angiography was norma l. Computerized tomography scan revealed two voluminous cystic lesions with out septa in the left proximal thigh, with accumulated fluid. During surger y, two huge cysts were found in the left proximal thigh, and their orifices were found slightly proximal to the curvature of the side plate. The patho logy showed that the cysts consisted of a nonepithelialized wall of granula tion tissue compatible with a pseudocyst. The patient had no further proble ms 2 years after surgery. We found no reports in the literature of this rar e complication. The development of the pseudocysts may have been the result of chronic low-grade trauma due to irritation between the soft tissue and the implant. Orthopedic surgeons should be aware of the possible developmen t of this rare complication following internal fixation of an intertrochant eric fracture.