Severe Pelvic Pain and Extrinsic Compression of the Rectum: Late Complication of Total Hip Arthroplasty

Abstract

Various pelvic and visceral complications have been reported resulting from total hip arthroplasty. Most of these complications are known to be related to the intrapelvic migration of the acetabular cup or the cement, or to the heat generated by polymerization of the methylmethacrylate. Complications involving almost every pelvic structure have been described. We report a case of progressive limb shortening and severe pelvic pain beginning 6 months after total hip arthroplasty. To close the acetabular defect after removal of the displaced acetabular component, we used a modified extraperitoneal approach adapted from Stoppa's technique, which is commonly used for inguinal, femoral, and obturator hernias. In this article, we aim to describe this modified extraperitoneal approach and to offer advice for the diagnosis and treatment of this serious complication.