Respiratory complications of bone cement insertion during total hip replacement under spinal anaesthesia

Abstract

A report is made of respiratory complications which occurred following the insertion of Palacos bone cement during Howse total hip replacement under spinal anaesthesia in a 78-year-old female patient. Persistent cough and tachypnoea developed 30 s after the insertion of bone cement into the acetabulum and femur and persisted for 2–3 min producing considerable passive movement of the pelvis and femur. The probable cause, disadvantages and prevention of these complications are discussed.