Hip fracture-dislocation with transepiphyseal separation. Case report and literature review

Fracture-dislocation of the hip is an infrequent injury in adolescence. In combination with transepiphyseal separation of the capital femoral epiphysis, the injury is rare and catastrophic. A review of orthopaedic literature shows varied recommendations as to treatment approaches. The most recent articles have suggested that open reduction through a posterior approach and internal fixation is the best way to treat this problem initially. Later reconstructive measures are usually required because this injury often leads to avascular necrosis of the femoral head. The patient and family should be advised that the prognosis after such a fracture-dislocation is not good. Potential reconstructive measures after collapse of the femoral head include total hip arthroplasty and hip arthrodesis. Total hip arthroplasty is not a reliable means of providing a long-term painless joint in an active adolescent with one-joint disease. Hip arthrodesis has been shown to be a good alternative treatment for patients who develop avascular necrosis after this severe injury.