Air embolism as a complication of hip arthrography.

As an aid to correctly placing the needle tip within the hip joint during arthrography, injection of small amounts of air has been used to outline the joint space. Over a period of seven years, air embolus has been noted in three pediatric patients, twice with minor symptoms, and once with cardiac arrest. Even small amounts of air (less than 5 cc) injected accidentally intravenously may cause dangerous complications in small infants. If this technique is to be used, it is recommended that small amounts of carbon dioxide or oxygen be used instead of air.