Recurrent posttraumatic posterior dislocation of the hip A case report and review of the literature


Published online: Feb 27 2009

Ghislain F.A.E. Geurts, Derek F.P. van Deurzen, Ide C. Heyligers

From the Atrium Medical Center, Heerlen, the Netherlands

Abstract

We present the case of a 53-year-old male patient who presented with recurrent posttraumatic posterior hip dislocations, Epstein-Thompson type 1. No specific abnormality or pre-existing pathology was found. After closed reduction and rapid mobilization the patient was discharged from our institution. Although he had sustained six dislocations of his right hip over a period of 17 years, he once again recovered unlimited function without any signs of complications. In this specific non-compliant patient, early mobilization following each one of his successive dislocation episodes did not result in the occurrence of any complications. The literature on this rare topic is reviewed.