The Floating Hip: Complications and Outcomes

Abstract

Ipsilateral injuries to the femur and the pelvis or acetabulum ("floating hip") are severe injuries usually caused by high-energy trauma. The acetabulum and pelvic ring are more commonly fractured together than either alone. The femur fracture will most commonly be addressed first, as in 65% of our cases in which both components were addressed at the same setting, and 100% of cases in which they were addressed in separate settings. Delays of surgery were common because of severity of systemic trauma. Surgeons should be aware of the high incidence of sciatic nerve palsy as well as treatment options and potential complications associated with this devastating combination of injuries.