Outcome of traumatic hip dislocation.

BACKGROUND

This retrospective study was carried out to identify prognostic factors that can predict a better long-term outcome.

METHODS

Between 1 January 1993 and 31 December 2004, 97 patients were treated at King Fahd University Hospital, AlKhobar. Fifty-eight patients were analyzed. Hips were evaluated on functional basis as per the classification of Merle d'Aubigne.

RESULTS

There were 52 males and 6 females, with a mean age of 29.6+/-9.8 (18-57) years and follow-up of 59.5+/-18.8 (24-120) months. In 43 patients, the dislocations were due to road traffic accidents. In 57 patients, closed reduction was done, while one patient required open reduction. Traction was applied for 4.71+/-1.07 weeks on average. Forty-three patients had excellent results. Patients with only a three-week immobilization period fared badly.

CONCLUSION

Our study indicates that good results in traumatic hip dislocation can be achieved with early reduction of dislocation and immobilization for at least four weeks.