Traumatic Hip Dislocation: Pediatric and Adult Evaluation and Management

Traumatic hip dislocation of a native hip joint represents an orthopaedic emergency that should be treated promptly. Dislocations can be classified based on the associated injuries and the direction of dislocation. Expeditious evaluation, reduction, and management of associated injuries are required to optimize short and long-term function of the hip. There are several important differences between the blood supply and ossification of the pediatric hip that necessitate different strategies for the evaluation and management of traumatic hip dislocations in pediatric patients. Appropriate treatment is dictated by the direction and type of dislocation as well as associated injuries. In addition to closed reduction, arthroscopy, open reduction (potentially with fracture fixation and/or soft-tissue repair), osteotomy, and total hip arthroplasty all have roles in treatment. Consensus on optimal postreduction activity protocols after simple hip dislocation remain unestablished. Short and long-term outcomes are largely driven by the amount of time from injury to reduction and associated injuries.