A Clinical Study of Traumatic Dislocation of the Hip

Kim, Kwang Hoe; Kim, Sung Joon; Park, Sang Ho

Abstract

In recent years, the incidence of traumatic dislocation of the hip joint appears to be on the increase, year by year, as the rate of traffic and industrial accidents increases. To prevent complications after dislocation of the hip, many authors have pointed out the importance of the early accurate reduction. But many authors have advocated different methods for aftercare treatment. In this paper, the author has reviewed 34 patients of traumatic disolocation of the hip who had been hospitalized and treated at Hanyang University Hospital from May 1972 to Dec. 1980. It was possible to follow 21 of these patients for an average followup period of 54 months. With this study, the following results were obtained. l. Of 34 patients, 31 patients were male and 3 were female. The prevalent age distribution was from 21 to 30 years of age 12 patients (35.3%) showing this distribution. 2. 30 (88.4%) of 34 dislocations of the hip were the result of traffic accidents, 22 of these being auto accidents. 3. The order of incidence according to the Thompson-Epstein classification is; posterior type I (44.1%), III (23.5%) and type II (11.8%). 4. 28 (82.4%) dislocations of the hip were complicated by multiple injuries at other sites. The most common site of associated injury was the ipsilateral lower extremity, which occurred in 15 patients. 5. 27 closed reductions, 5 open reductions and 1 prosthetic replacement of femoral head were performed, and 24 (88.9%) of 27 closed reductions were performed within 24 hours. 6. By Thompson-Epstein method, the author evaluated 21 patients who could be followed for an average of 54 months, and so obtained excellent or good results in 16 patients (71.4%) and fair or poor results in 5 patients (28.6%). Of these 21 patients, 13 patients who were performed closed reduction with 24 hours were results of excellent of good. 7. As complications avascular necrosis, traumatic arthritis and ectopic ossification developed in one, four and three patients respectively. In addition 5 patients developed sciatic nerve injuries, 3 of these recovered completely.