Traumatic hip dislocation in childhood

J Pediatr Orthop. 2005 Mar-Apr;25(2):138-44. doi: 10.1097/01.bpo.0000151059.85227.ea.

Abstract

Traumatic dislocation of the hip in childhood is uncommon and can be a consequence of minor trauma. The authors report a series of 35 dislocations in skeletally immature patients. Most were isolated posterior dislocations without acetabular lesions. In 75% of cases, reduction of the dislocation was easy. Nine children required surgery to remove interposed joint capsule and/or osteochondral fragments to achieve anatomic reduction. Outcomes were generally good, except in one patient in whom a displaced fracture of the femoral physis was followed by total head avascular necrosis. One case of partial necrosis had a satisfactory outcome. Epiphyseal necrosis, though uncommon, appeared to be inconsistent to prevent and hard to predict. Bone scan seems to be more effective than MRI for the detection of necrosis.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Hip Dislocation* / complications
  • Hip Dislocation* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male