Subcapital fracture of a congenitally dislocated hip: revival of Girdlestone resection arthroplasty.

A twenty-year-old, active male with a high congenital dislocation of the hip sustained a displaced subcapital fracture (accompanied by a comminuted transarticular fracture of the ipsilateral distal femur). Such a combination of injuries poses a challenging problem; the English literature does not cite any report describing the occurrence of subcapital fractures in congenitally dislocated hips. This article reviews the treatment options of the fractured neck of the femur, and the reasons for electing to perform a Girdlestone resection arthroplasty.