The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Vol 61, Issue 1 7-14, Copyright © 1979 by Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Inc
Irreducible traumatic dislocations of the hip
ST Canale and AH Manugian
Little attention has been paid to the various causes preventing or blocking
a concentric reduction following traumatic dislocation of the hip without
apparent fracture. In a review of fifty-four dislocations, nine required
open reduction after either a failed attempt at closed reduction or a
non-concentric reduction. The factors preventing closed reduction included
the femoral head buttonholed through the capsule and the piriformis muscle
displaced across the acetabulum. A concentric anatomical reduction was
prevented because of an inverted lumbus or an osteocartilaginous loose body
in the acetabulum. Guidelines for diagnosis and treatment are discussed.