Traumatic anterior dislocation of the hip in childhood

One hundred and eleven traumatic anterior dislocations of the hip in children were collected from the literature and statistically evaluated together with 4 cases treated at our institute. The incidence of open dislocations, associated lesions (avulsion of the greater trochanter, damage to the femoral vessels, and fracture on the shaft of the ipsilateral femur), and irreducible recent dislocations was noteworthy, demanding special methods of primary management. In 41 patients, with follow-up averaging 5 years, the incidence of complications, especially avascular necrosis, was also high. Anterior dislocation of the hip in this age group is to be considered a serious injury. Concerning the final state of the hip-joint, factors giving a poor prognosis appear to be severe injury, open dislocation, associated fractures near the joint, delayed reduction, and, possibly, open procedures.