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Missed obturator hip dislocation in a 19-year-old man
E Argintar1, B Whitfield, J DeBritz
1Department of Orthopaedics, Georgetown University Hospital, Washington DC, USA. evanargintar@gmail.com
American Journal of Orthopedics (Belle Mead, N.J.)
|April 25, 2012
Summary
Delayed diagnosis of traumatic obturator hip dislocation can be successfully treated with open reduction. This case highlights effective surgical management for late-presenting hip dislocations, restoring function and preventing complications.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Traumatology
- Hip Biomechanics
Background:
- Traumatic obturator hip dislocations are uncommon injuries.
- Acute diagnosis and management are typical for these dislocations.
Observation:
- A patient presented with hip pain two months after an undiagnosed traumatic obturator hip dislocation.
- Initial closed reduction attempts were unsuccessful.
Findings:
- Open reduction using a Kocher approach and trochanteric osteotomy successfully treated the dislocation.
- Postoperative follow-up at 15 months showed a functional range of motion.
- No signs of posttraumatic arthritis or avascular necrosis were observed radiographically or clinically.
Implications:
- This case demonstrates the efficacy of surgical intervention for delayed presentations of obturator hip dislocations.
- Open reduction can restore hip function and prevent long-term complications like arthritis and avascular necrosis.
- Highlights the importance of considering hip dislocation in cases of persistent hip pain, even with delayed presentation.

