False aneurysm of the profunda femoris artery following nail and plate fixation of an intertrochanteric fracture. Report of a case.

In its initial phase false aneurysm is an encapsulated haematoma fed by a defect in the wall of an artery and confined by the tissues among which it lies (Dameron 1964). In its fully developed state it may have a cavity with an endothelial lining in continuity through the defect in the arterial wall with that of the artery; it eventually develops a laminated wall of fibrin, organised blood clot and connective tissue. It is the result of incomplete division of an artery, its size limited by the elasticity of the tissues which confine the escaping blood. In the presence of concomitant venous injury. arterio-venous fistula may result. The usual