Vessel and nerve injuries complicating total hip arthroplasty.

Arterial and neural damage following total hip replacement is not common. Three cases are reported. The first patient had an isolated femoral nerve damage. The second case developed a false aneurysm arising from the external iliac artery 2 months after hip surgery and the third patient sustained a tear of the external iliac artery during the operation. The nerve and vessel injuries were caused by retractors. In both patients with arterial damages a transitory femoral nerve involvement occurred. The prognosis was good in all patients. Preventive measures are discussed.