Skeletal Trauma > Pelvis & Hips > Posterior Hip Dislocation


Posterior Hip Dislocation

Posterior Hip Dislocation

  • Posterior dislocation accounts for more than 90% of all hip dislocations.
  • The most common mechanism for a posterior dislocation is with high-energy trauma, such as during an automobile accident when the knees impact the dashboard.
  • In 10% of patients, the sciatic nerve is injured as a result.
  • There are four radiographic features of a posterior hip dislocation:

    1. Femoral head lateral and superior to the acetabulum.
    2. Fracture of the posterior rim of the acetabulum in most cases.
    3. Femur in internal rotation and adduction.
    4. Affected femoral head may appear smaller secondary to magnification.
Look at the following radiograph of a posterior hip dislocation. Can you identify the four features of posterior dislocation? Posterior dislocation of left hip

Relocated and fracture of posterior lip repaired




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