SCIATIC NERVE PALSY SECONDARY TO POST OPERATIVE HAEMATOMA IN PRIMARY TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT.

Sciatic Nerve Palsy (SNP) is a recognised complication in Primary Total Hip Replacement after a transtrochanteric or a posterior approach (5). It is considered to be caused by direct trauma to the nerve during surgery. In our unit this complication was rare with an incidence of To our knowledge there are only five reported cases in the literature of sciatic nerve palsy secondary to postoperative haematoma (1). (Each of the six patients who developed SNP was receiving prophylactic anticoagulation). Cases recognized early and drained promptly showed earlier and more complete recovery. Those in whom diagnosis was delayed and were therefore managed expectantly showed no or poor recovery. More than usual pain the buttock, significant swelling in the buttock region and sciatic nerve tenderness associated with signs of sciatic nerve irritation may suggest the presence of haematoma in the region of the sciatic nerve. It is therefore of prime importance to be vigilant for the signs and symptoms of sciatic nerve palsy in the early post operative period because if recognized and treated early the potential injury to the sciatic nerve may be reversible.