Traumatic hip dislocation in a child

Traumatic dislocation of the hip joint is relatively uncommon in children. The trauma required to produce a dislocation can vary from minimal to severe, high-energy force. We report a case of posterior hip dislocation in a 9-year-old boy who received relatively minor trauma to his leg but who did not seek medical attention for more than 24 hours. The child's hip was reduced without significant sequelae. Delay in reduction greatly increases the likelihood of later complications, including avascular necrosis of the femoral head.