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Open Hip Dislocation Through the Scrotum without Osseous Injury: A Case Report
Tyler Snoap1, Jason Habeck1, Jason Roberts2
1Department of Orthopaedics, Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan.
JBJS Case Connector
|December 16, 2017
Summary
This case report details an extremely rare open anterior hip dislocation through the scrotum in a bicyclist. Open reduction using the Smith-Petersen approach was necessary due to irreducibility by closed means.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Trauma Surgery
- Anatomic Injury
Background:
- Anterior hip dislocations are uncommon, with scrotal involvement being exceptionally rare.
- Traumatic hip dislocations often result from high-energy impacts, such as motor vehicle accidents.
Observation:
- A 36-year-old bicyclist experienced an open anterior hip dislocation into the scrotum following a dual motor vehicle collision.
- No associated bone fractures were identified.
- The dislocation was irreducible via closed manipulation.
Findings:
- Open reduction was successfully performed using a Smith-Petersen surgical approach.
- Post-operative recovery showed no signs of femoral head osteonecrosis.
- Mild osteoarthritis and heterotopic ossification were noted post-surgery.
Implications:
- The Smith-Petersen approach is effective for complex hip dislocations, preserving femoral head vascularity.
- This case highlights the potential for severe, unusual injuries in high-energy trauma.
- Management requires prompt surgical intervention for irreducible dislocations.
