Particulate wear debris osteolysis, acute urinary retention and delirium as late complications of hip arthroplasty

Abstract Intrapelvic mass formation as a result of particulate wear debris induced osteolysis is a recognised late complication of cementless total hip arthroplasty. Clinical presentation typically involves hip and/or leg pain resulting in functional impairment, and obstructive urinary symptoms developing 3–20 years after surgery. An acute confusional state has never been described in this scenario. We report the case of an 86-year-old gentleman with a diagnosis of dementia brought to our emergency department with an acute confusional state. Abdominal imaging revealed a distended bladder, a large pelvic mass and a lytic lesion within his right acetabulum. Cytological and microbiological examination of fluid obtained with radiologically guided aspiration of the mass was negative for neoplasia and infection.