Traumatic hip dislocation in childhood.

Abstract

We report the outcome of closed reduction of traumatic hip dislocation in 28 children younger than 16 years of age (average age, 8 years 10 months). At an average follow-up of 8 years and 10 months (range, 2 years - 42 years), 18 patients were asymptomatic and enjoying a normal life, and some of them returned to practice sport activities. The remainder had complications related to associated injuries. There were no cases of avascular necrosis of the femoral head during follow-up. The majority of dislocations were attributable to low energy injuries in children younger than 10 years of age. Traumatic hip dislocation in children is uncommon. Management after reduction is not clearly defined in the literature. It is important to perform reduction as soon as possible to avoid later avascular necrosis.