[Knotted femoral catheter].

An 89-year-old woman was admitted with a fractured hip. For pain relief a femoral catheter was placed. Later, it was not possible to remove the catheter by traction. After X-ray visualisation, the catheter was removed surgically. The catheter was knotted around connective tissue 4 cm below skin level. Knotting of catheters for regional anaesthesia is a rare, but known complication which should be suspected when resistance is met during catheter removal. If necessary, the catheter should be removed surgically. The entire catheter should be removed, since any remains may increase the risk of infection.