An unreported cause of early postoperative dislocation following total hip revision: Massive intra-capsular oedema related to inferior vena cava filter thrombosis

SummaryInferior vena cava (IVC) filters are widely used to prevent pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients with an absolute or relative contraindication for anticoagulants, during the peri-operative period of trauma or total joint replacement. No complication specific to the orthopaedic's aspect of this practice has been described. We report the case of a patient who had major femoral head/cup separation mimicking dislocation following revision total hip arthroplasty related to massive intra-capsular oedema produced by IVC filter thrombosis. The patient could be successfully treated non-operatively. Orthopaedic surgeons should identify and refer patients with a complicated IVC filter, to identify any migration or occlusion, and also be aware that removable filters must not be kept in situ, once the high-risk phase of developing PE is past.