Can Anti-embolism Stockings Cause Common Peroneal Nerve Palsy Following Total Hip Arthroplasty Via Anterior Approach? A Case Report.

We present a patient who had a common peroneal nerve palsy complication due to anti-embolism stocking compression following total hip arthroplasty (THA) surgery performed via the anterior approach (AA). The patient was a 17-year-old underweight female and have experienced bilateral hip pain for the last 3 years. Pelvic X-rays revealed bilateral osteonecrosis of the femoral head and THA surgery for the left hip via the AA was done. Common peroneal palsy developed due to anti-embolism stocking compression on the first postoperative day, which was confirmed by ultrasonography (USG). The common peroneal nerve returned to full function in the third postoperative month with complete healing and the patient was followed up for 3 years. Several etiologic factors have been reported as the cause of the common peroneal nerve palsy following THA surgery. Common peroneal palsy caused by anti-embolism stocking as in our case is an etiologic factor to be considered by arthroplasty surgeons. © Indian Orthopaedics Association 2021.