Journal of Surgical Technique and Case Report
Journal of Surgical Technique and Case Report
CASE REPORT
Year : 2012  |  Volume : 4  |  Issue : 2  |  Page : 121-125

Arthroscopic Bullet Removal from the Acetabulum (Hip Joint)


1 Department of Surgery, Saudi Ministry of Higher Education, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
2 Department of Surgery, The Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Dalhousie University, 1276 South Park Street, Halifax, NS B3H 2Y9, Canada

Correspondence Address:
Jamal Al-Asiri
34-7 Southside Place, Hamilton on Canada L9C 7W6
Canada
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Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None


DOI: 10.4103/2006-8808.110260

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Hip arthroscopy has been shown to offer minimally invasive access to the hip joint compared with standard open arthrotomy. The use of arthroscopy for diagnosing and treating disorders about the hip continues to evolve. This study describes a case that involves arthroscopic removal of a bullet from a low-velocity gunshot wound. The patient sustained a gunshot wound that entered the abdomen and traversed the small bowel, sigmoid colon then penetrated the urinary bladder before ending up in the medial wall of the acetabulum. After surgical repair of the viscus, the bullet was retrieved from the hip joint using standard arthroscopic portals and a fracture table. A number of issues led to the decision to use arthroscopy. Most importantly was the need to minimize soft tissue dissection, which was required to access the bullet, without interfering with previous wound at the suprapubic area. The risks of potential bullet fragmentation and migration, as well as a possible abdominal compartment syndrome were considered before proceeding. Arthroscopy allowed adequate inspection of the articular surface, irrigation of the joint, and removal of the foreign body while avoiding an invasive arthrotomy with its associated morbidity and soft tissue disruption. This surgical technique afforded a very satisfactory outcome for this patient and serves as a model for others when encountering a similar injury pattern in a trauma patient. It is a procedure that can be performed safely, quickly, and with minimal complications for surgeons with experience in arthroscopy of the hip joint.


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