Late reduction of bilateral traumatic hip dislocations in a child.

A 5-year-old girl with bilateral traumatic hip dislocations neglected for 6 weeks was successfully managed by skeletal traction for reduction and cast immobilization for 6 weeks. The delay in reduction did not preclude a good result. Osteoporosis of the femoral head was noted to be a favorable prognostic sign relative to its vascularity. Skeletal traction is an optimum method of reduction for neglected hip dislocations, while open reduction is rarely indicated. Prolonged restriction of weight bearing is unnecessary following soft-tissue healing.