Traumatic dislocation of the hip

C. A. Pietrafesa and J. R. Hoffman

Traumatic dislocation of the hip (TDH) is an absolute orthopedic emergency that is increasing steadily in incidence. Sixty-two to ninety-three percent of reported cases were the result of high-speed motor vehicle accidents in which seat belts were not used. Post-TDH complications and morbidity, particularly femoral head necrosis, are related to the severity of injury, skeletal maturity, and duration of dislocation. Prompt, gentle reduction within 12 hours remains the cornerstone of successful therapy. In a variety of other clinical condition, TDH may be masked, and specific appropriate evaluation is thus necessary to detect the occasionally occult TDH. The regular use of seat belts would virtually eliminate this injury.