Femoral head avulsion fracture with malunion to the acetabulum: a case report.

The case of a patient who sustained an avulsion fracture of the femoral head (Pipkin Type I) that was unrecognized is described. The patient was referred to the authors' institution four months after injury, and radiographic studies showed a malunited avulsion fracture of the femoral head to the acetabulum. The patient subsequently went on to an excellent result after surgical debridement. The authors recommend additional radiographic studies in cases to exclude unrecognized fractures where a possible hip subluxation may have occurred.