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

Abstract

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.