Femoral artery pseudoaneurysm as a late complication of flexible intramedullary nailing for a diaphyseal femur fracture in a child: a case report.

Abstract

Flexible intramedullary nails are a safe, effective, and low-morbidity option for the treatment of diaphyseal femur fractures in children. They generally provide acceptable results regarding bone consolidation and clinical stabilization. However, late vascular events may occur. In this report, we describe the case of a male patient who underwent osteosynthesis with flexible nails for a femur fracture at age 9 and 5 years later developed local pain and swelling, leading to detection of a left femoral artery pseudoaneurysm. Subsequently, surgical correction with revascularization using an ipsilateral great saphenous vein was performed, with no further complications and an adequate clinical outcome. This case emphasizes the importance of long-term surveillance in orthopedic follow-up, particularly in the context of vascular injuries after surgical interventions.