Posterior fracture dislocation of the hip

Posterior dislocation of a native hip joint associated with ipsilateral per-trochanteric fracture: A rare case report

We describe a case of traumatic posterior dislocation of a native hip joint associated with ipsilateral comminuted inter-trochanteric femoral fracture. In our case, closed reduction was attempted but proved unsuccessful. Taking into account the planned subsequent intra-medullary femoral nail, open reduction through a lateral incision was undertaken. Post-operatively, the planned mobility was for a non-weight bearing period of 6 weeks followed by a partial-weight bearing period of 6 weeks before progressing to full-weight bearing. Post-operatively, the patient completed a comprehensive course of physiotherapy. At five months, he was able to walk for five miles over the course of a weekend. At six months, the patient was looking at phased return to work as a fire fighter. Radiographs taken at the time demonstrated evidence of healing to his inter-trochanteric fracture. At ten months, the patient was back to normal duties at work as a fire fighter.

Posterior hip dislocation associated with posterior wall acetabular fracture and ipsilateral intertrochantric fracture: a very rare case report

Abstract

Traumatic hip dislocations are common in high-energy motor vehicle accidents. We present a case of a 43-year old man who sustained posterior hip dislocation with posterior wall acetabular fracture and ipsilateral intertrochantric fracture following a motorcycle accident. Urgent open reduction and internal fixation of the hip fracture-dislocation and fixation of intertrochantric fracture with a dynamic hip screw were done. To our knowledge, such an injury has been rarely reported in the literature. Possible mechanisms of injury and operative procedures are discussed. Radiographic follow-up after eight months showed union. No major complications were observed in our patient.

Ipsilateral anterior then irreducible posterior hip dislocation without fracture: a case report

Anterior hip dislocations and posterior hip dislocations are injuries that commonly result from high-energy trauma. Different mechanisms of injury and forces are typically required for anterior and posterior hip dislocations. We present the case of a patient who sustained an injury that initially resulted in an anterior hip dislocation. After reduction and without experiencing further significant trauma, the patient dislocated posteriorly while being transferred from a stretcher to a table in radiology some 14 hours later. To our knowledge, there have been no such presentations in the literature.

Sciatic nerve injuries associated with traumatic posterior hip dislocations

This study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that patients transferred between hospitals with a dislocated hip have a greater incidence of sciatic nerve injury than patients who have their hip reduced at the first facility. One hundred six dislocated hips were included in this 12-year retrospective study. Sixty-nine hips were relocated at the first hospital and 36 patients were transferred with the hip still dislocated to LDS Hospital. There was a higher incidence of major sciatic nerve injury (complete sciatic or peroneal motor deficit) in patients transferred with the hip still dislocated (P =.0453). Time to relocation was significantly longer in patients with major motor nerve injury (P =.016). The presence of an associated fracture had no influence on sciatic nerve injury rates. The length of time a hip remains dislocated influences the incidence and severity of major sciatic nerve injury.

Nerve injury in traumatic dislocation of the hip

Neurologic injury often accompanies traumatic dislocation and fracture-dislocation of the hip. A review of the literature reveals an incidence of approximately 10% in adults and 5% in children. The sciatic nerve, usually the peroneal branch, is most often injured, and this complication can be seen after all types of posterior fracture-dislocations and simple posterior dislocations. The sciatic nerve can be acutely lacerated, stretched, or compressed, or later encased in heterotopic ossification. Neurologic examination at the time of injury often is difficult but is extremely important. Once a nerve injury is discovered, prompt closed reduction must be attempted to relieve distortion of the nerve from a dislocated femoral head or displaced acetabular fracture. Considerable controversy surrounds the recommendations for additional treatment of nerve injury once the hip has been reduced. At least partial recovery of nerve function occurs in 60% to 70% of patients, with no clear correlation with injury or treatment type. Rehabilitation of patients with sciatic nerve injury must begin as early as possible and should focus on the prevention of an equinus foot deformity. Magnetic resonance neurography may become useful in the future for initial evaluation of patients with this injury.

Initial treatment of traumatic hip dislocations in the adult

The initial treatment of traumatic hip dislocations is critical to successful treatment of this injury. It generally is agreed that prompt reduction with the patient under anesthesia or sedation is required. Delay in reduction of posterior hip dislocations is associated with avascular necrosis of the hip. Occasionally the hip dislocation will be irreducible. Various methods to reduce hip dislocations have been described in the literature. The superiority of one particular technique has not been shown and the choice of reduction maneuver must be tailored to the condition of the patient. Traumatic hip dislocations often are associated with multiple injuries that may limit the options available for initial treatment of the hip dislocation. Adherence to general principles of skeletal reduction will increase the ease of reduction and decrease the risk of iatrogenic injury during reduction. Additional clinical and radiographic evaluation of the hip that was reduced often is necessary to determine whether subsequent open treatment is required.

Arthroscopic loose body retrieval following traumatic hip dislocation

Traumatic dislocation of the hip is associated with considerable morbidity due to the risk of aseptic necrosis and post-injury arthritis, which is greater in the presence of an associated fracture. Computed tomography after a traumatic dislocation may reveal loose bone fragments within the weight-bearing area of the joint. We advocate the early arthroscopic retrieval of loose bone fragments to preserve the articular surface, as the retention of such fragments may lead to a less satisfactory long-term result. Arthroscopic surgery is associated with less morbidity than open arthrotomy.

Serum levels of cloxacillin and benzylpenicillin in adults undergoing open-heart surgery

Serum levels of cloxacillin and benzylpenicillin were monitored in 35 consecutive adult patients undergoing elective open-heart surgery. Serial serum samples were analyzed during a 24-hour period. After oral intake of cloxacillin and phenoxymethylpenicillin on the preceding evening, very low concentrations remained in serum at the start of operation. Such preoperative medication is inappropriate. Intravenously administered cloxacillin (2 g) and benzylpenicillin (3 g) appeared to be adequate during the first 4 hours of surgery, as the serum half-life of the drugs was twice as long in the patients as in healthy adults, but repetition of the doses is recommended for further antibiotic protection during surgery.