Outcome of Traumatic Hip Dislocation

Background: This retrospective study was carried out to identify prognostic factors that can predict a better long-term outcome.

Methods: Between 1 January 1993 and 31 December 2004, 97 patients were treated at King Fahd University Hospital, AlKhobar. Fifty-eight patients were analyzed. Hips were evaluated on functional basis as per the classification of Merle d'Aubigne.

Results: There were 52 males and 6 females, with a mean age of 29.6+/-9.8 (18-57) years and follow-up of 59.5+/-18.8 (24-120) months. In 43 patients, the dislocations were due to road traffic accidents. In 57 patients, closed reduction was done, while one patient required open reduction. Traction was applied for 4.71+/-1.07 weeks on average. Forty-three patients had excellent results. Patients with only a three-week immobilization period fared badly.

Conclusion: Our study indicates that good results in traumatic hip dislocation can be achieved with early reduction of dislocation and immobilization for at least four weeks.