Case Report: Trendelenburg gait caused by retained drain fragment: a rare complication of total hip arthroplasty

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Aydemir S., Aydin O., Celtik M., DUYMAZ B., ERDURAN M.

FRONTIERS IN SURGERY, cilt.11, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 11
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.3389/fsurg.2024.1519414
  • Dergi Adı: FRONTIERS IN SURGERY
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: drain management, orthopedic surgery complication, Trendelenburg gait, gluteal tendinopathy, retained drain
  • Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Retained drain fragments, though rare, can lead to significant complications in orthopedic surgery(1). This case report presents a 57-year-old woman who developed gluteal tendinopathy and Trendelenburg gait two years after a total hip arthroplasty (THA) due to a retained drain fragment. A less experienced surgeon encountered resistance during drain removal on the first postoperative day and applied excessive force, unknowingly leaving a fragment inside. The patient initially had no symptoms, but later presented with pain and gait disturbances. Radiographic evaluation revealed the retained drain, necessitating surgical removal and gluteus medius augmentation. The patient subsequently underwent a structured rehabilitation program. This case emphasizes the importance of careful drain management, proper postoperative evaluation, and collaborative patient-doctor decision-making to prevent such complications.