Visual Loss After Lateral Position Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Case Report

Abstract

Perioperative visual loss (POVL) is an infrequent, devastating complication. Increased recognition and discussion of this complication is reported in recent literature, most notably following spinal and cardiac surgery. The most common causes are ischemic optic neuropathy, central retinal artery occlusion, and cortical blindness. Here, we present a case of a 54 y old female who developed acute visual loss in her eyes after lateral position total hip arthroplasty that might explain this complication.

Post operative visual loss after nephrectomy performed in lateral position in female patient with congenitally left blindness

“…Of the various causes of POVL, three main groups of pathologic entities have been identified that may be responsible for POVL ischemic optic neuropathy (ION), central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) and cortical blindness. 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 …”

“…PION comprises 3 types:arteritic PION, non-arteritic PION, and surgical PION as a complication of several systemic surgical procedures 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 …”