Femoral Nerve Palsy Secondary to Iliopsoas Spontaneous Haematoma in a Patient Under Warfarin Treatment

Abstract

Femoral nerve palsy secondary to iliopsoas non-traumatic haematoma is a scarce complication with a treatment approach that remains controversial between conservative and surgical intervention. We present a case of a 64-year-old male patient under warfarin medication, who developed severe left hip and anterior thigh pain and femoral nerve palsy with no history of trauma. Laboratory studies revealed a prolonged international normalized ratio level of 4.5, and imaging studies revealed a large haematoma surrounding the left iliopsoas muscle (35 cm x 9 cm x 6 cm). The patient was treated conservatively with discontinuation of his anticoagulation remedy and vitamin K administration and recovered almost fully after eight months, following a rehabilitation programme. Patients who are on anticoagulants should raise a high index of suspicion. Conservative management can provide a good outcome; it requires, however, a long period of rehabilitation.