Unusual complications in traumatic dislocation of the hip in children

Four cases of unusual complications following traumatic dislocation of the hip in children are presented along with a review of the literature. All patients presented with posterior or posterosuperior dislocations, and two had associated pelvic or acetabular fractures. One patient had a small, shallow acetabulum caused by premature closure of the triradiate cartilage and damage to the superior gluteal nerve. The combination of triradiate epiphyseal closure and abductor muscle weakness secondary to superior gluteal nerve damage contributed to subsequent femoral head subluxation. One patient presented with a previously unrecognized fracture dislocation. Two patients presented with recurrent dislocations, one with a posterior capsular defect indicated by arthrography. The patient with this defect was treated with surgical repair, whereas the other patient was treated nonsurgically.