Traumatic hip dislocation in adults

Abstract

Traumatic hip dislocation occurs during high-energy trauma and is often associated with other life threatening injuries. Dislocation can be anterior or posterior and urgent reduction is mandatory to reduce the risk of avascular necrosis of the femoral head. Undisplaced femoral neck fractures should be excluded prior to attempted reduction. Various closed reduction techniques have been described and most dislocations can be reduced with a closed technique. Failure to achieve reduction makes open reduction mandatory. This review describes the diagnosis, investigation and management of this complex and challenging injury.