Hip Dislocation

Abstract

Hip dislocations in children are rare, potentially occurring after falls, athletic injuries, or high energy mechanisms such as car accidents. When they occur in the setting of a high mechanism of energy, they can be associated with other head, chest, abdominal, and neurovascular injuries. Associated orthopedic injuries can include ipsilateral femoral neck, femoral shaft, or acetabular fractures, as well as loose bodies within the hip joint. Many times a closed reduction can sufficiently treat a hip dislocation, but one must be prepared to potentially perform an open reduction, particularly in the setting of associated fractures. Urgent reduction within 6 h is recommended in an effort to minimize the risk of avascular necrosis in these patients.