Pseudoaneurysm after modified Lapidus arthrodesis: A case report

Pseudoaneurysms are a pulsatile swelling secondary to an arterial-wall defect. Blood flows through the defect but is contained within the surrounding soft tissue. This article describes a rare form of an iatrogenic pseudoaneurysm of the perforating deep plantar artery 1 month after a modified Lapidus arthrodesis for hallux valgus. A presumptive diagnosis of pseudoaneurysm was confirmed by Doppler ultrasonography. The patient was treated with ligation of the artery and resection of the pseudoaneurysm and remained free of symptoms 1 year postoperatively.