A rare but radiographically recognizable cause of an irreducible hip fracture-dislocation

Clin Imaging. 2013 May-Jun;37(3):595-7. doi: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2012.06.009. Epub 2012 Aug 13.

Abstract

Hip dislocations are emergently reduced to decrease the chance of avascular necrosis of the femoral head. However, in some situations, the dislocation may be irreducible by a closed technique. Rarely, the fractured femoral head may become perched on an intact acetabulum, leading to an irreducible fracture-dislocation. This rare type of irreducible fracture-dislocation demonstrates unique physical and associated radiographic findings. These fractures are important to recognize early, as attempts at closed reduction can lead to femoral neck fractures.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Traffic
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Femur Head / diagnostic imaging*
  • Femur Head / injuries*
  • Hip Dislocation / diagnostic imaging*
  • Hip Dislocation / etiology*
  • Hip Fractures / diagnostic imaging*
  • Hip Fractures / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Radiography
  • Rare Diseases / complications
  • Rare Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Wounds, Nonpenetrating / etiology*