Intra‐operative collapse or death related to the use of acrylic cement in hip surgery

Six intra‐operative deaths and two episodes of near‐fatal hypotension occurred in 52 consecutive Hastings procedures (insertion of metal prosthesis grouted in acrylic cement) for subcapital fracture of the femoral neck. This high complication rate was identified by a system of clinical audit undertaken by members of the anaesthetic department.

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