Traumatic Hip Dislocation in a Young Woman – a complication

Author: Helen Blackhurst / Editor: Jason M Kendall / Reviewer: Amanda King, Kathryn Boyle / Codes: RP4, SLO4, TP6, TP7 / Published: 15/02/2024

An 18-year-old female is brought into the Emergency Department (ED) following a head-on collision with another car with a combined speed of approximately 100mph. On examination she is alert and primary survey shows no abnormalities. She has bruising over her right patella and her right hip is held in flexion. She is complaining of altered sensation down her right leg.

Initial x-ray of her pelvis shows a posterior dislocation of her right hip with an associated acetabular fracture.