Traumatic hip dislocation during childhood. A case report and review of the literature.

Traumatic hip dislocations rarely occur during childhood. Males sustain pediatric hip dislocations four times more often than do females. Posterior hip dislocations comprise 87% of all pediatric hip dislocations. A soft, pliable acetabulum and ligamentous laxity predispose the immature hip joint to a dislocation secondary to minimal trauma. Potential associated injuries include fractures and neurovascular injury, whereas avascular necrosis (AVN) and degenerative joint disease are potential sequelae. Optimal treatment should be prompt reduction of the hip in order to minimize the risk of AVN of the femoral head.