American Journal of Roentgenology, Vol 130, Issue 2, 327-329
Copyright © 1978 by American Roentgen Ray Society
Gross hematuria: a complication of intrapelvic cement intrusion in total hip replacement
A Greenspan
and
A Norman
Four patients with gross hematuria and dysuria following intrusion of methylmethacrylate into the pelvic cavity after total hip replacement are described. This is a rare, benign complication which generally occurs 7-14 days after surgery and subsides promptly with symptomatic treatment. The diagnosis can be made on a simple radiography of the pelvis which shows the radiopaque cement as a mass intruding with the pelvic cavity. On the urogram it frequently abuts against or produces an extrinsic impression on the urinary bladder. This complication is very likely a result of the exothermal reaction during polymerization of the methylmethacrylate.