Traumatic asymmetrical bilateral hip dislocation: a case report and literature review

Abstract

Traumatic asymmetrical bilateral dislocation of the hip joint is a rare occurrence. Herein we report a case of traumatic asymmetrical bilateral dislocation of the hip caused by a falling object. A 31-year-old healthy male was injured by a falling wall of weighing approximately 100 kg from behind in the lumbosacral area. The patient sustained a pelvic fracture, posterior dislocation of the right hip joint associated with a comminuted fracture of the right acetabulum, and anterior dislocation of the left hip joint. Manual reduction of both hip dislocations was performed in the Emergency Department. The posterior wall fracture of the right acetabulum was treated with open reduction and internal fixation by plate and screw. Reduction of both hips was successful and no femur necrosis or arthrosis were found during the four year followup. Heterotopic ossification was found but it did not affect joint function. Prompt reduction of hip dislocations in the Emergency Department can reduce the incidence of avascular necrosis of the femoral head.