Hip Dislocation: Current Treatment Regimens

Dislocation of the hip occurs only with high-energy trauma, and concomitant injuries are common. Early diagnosis and institution of treatment are necessary to obtain the best possible results. Treatment protocols include emergent reduction of the femoral head to reestablish perfusion, postreduction radiography and computed tomography to look for associated fractures and to judge the concentricity of the reduction, stability testing, and early mobilization. Open reduction may be required if a concentric reduction cannot be obtained in a closed manner. Despite appropriate management, posttraumatic arthritis and avascular necrosis may occur, with reported rates as high as 15% to 30%. Patients who sustain a hip dislocation should be made aware of these potential complications at the time of initial treatment.