Uncommon Yet Noteworthy: A Clear and Comprehensive Case Report on Pediatric Hip Dislocation

Children, especially those under the age of five, seldom get hip dislocations. Young children may sustain dislocations from minor accidents such as slips or falls from low heights, whereas adolescents typically do so from high-intensity events such as car crashes or collision sports. Posterior dislocation occurs 8-9 times more frequently than those in the anterior. Here, we describe about the acute posterior hip dislocation suffered by a 5-year-old boy in this case report.

A 5-year-old girl reported to ER with left hip pain and difficulty to walk after slipping and falling while playing football at home. About 90 min after the fall, she presented at the hospital. The injured hip showed internal rotation, adduction, and flexion. An immediate pelvis X-ray revealed a right hip posterior dislocation. Under intravenous anesthesia, the dislocation was successfully reduced utilizing the Allis technique in the emergency room 3 h after the accident. Post-reduction radiographs verified that the reduction was successful. After 15 days of immobilization and 2 weeks of bilateral skin traction, the youngster was able to resume full weight-bearing walking with excellent tolerance.

To reduce the risk of avascular necrosis (AVN), pediatric hip dislocations require prompt reduction within 6 h. Soft-tissue injuries are found using post-reduction magnetic resource imaging. AVN requires constant observation for at least 2 years. Since traumatic hip dislocations in children under the age of five are rare, prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential.