Posterior fracture-dislocation of the hip in a jogger.

Abstract

Posterior fracture-dislocation of the hip is an uncommon athletic injury, occasionally seen in contact and high-energy sports. The mechanism of injury in this case highlights the high hip joint forces possible during running. The key treatment principle is early reduction of the hip joint, since the incidence of osteonecrosis of the femoral head and degenerative arthrosis increases with delay. Operative treatment will frequently be required to achieve a stable, congruent reduction of articular surfaces, essential for good long-term results. Partial weight-bearing exercise such as swimming and bicycling may aid rehabilitation. Long-term follow-up, with serial radiographs, is important to detect late complications.