Pseudoaneurysm of the anterior tibial artery: A rare complication of proximal tibial steinman pin insertion

Abstract

An anterior tibial artery pseudoaneurysm is a rare and unexpected complication of Steinmann pin insertion. We describe the case of an 18-year-old boy, who sustained such an injury to the anterior tibial artery during this procedure. Diagnosis was confirmed on a magnetic resonance (MR) angiogram. Aneurysmal sac excision with lateral repair of the vessel wall was performed. Postoperatively, a good flow was documented on a follow-up MR angiogram. This case highlights a major and unexpected complication of a so-called minor procedure. Too posterior a pin placement in the proximal tibia should be avoided to prevent such injuries.