ABSTRACT
Hip dislocations are associated with high-energy trauma in majority of cases. They often happen in conjunction with fractures of the femur or the polytraumatized patient. Hip dislocations are classified according to the direction of the femoral head displacement: posterior (the commonest type - 80" of cases), anterior and central (a comminuted or displaced fracture-dislocation through the floor of the acetabulum). A dislocated hip is reduced regardless of the presence of a femoral head fracture. However, if a femoral neck fracture is present, it must be treated before any attempt at reduction of the hip. Treatment decisions are based on the G. Pipkin's classification and other concomitant injuries and there are four types. Anterior hip dislocations are rare, accounting for only approximately 10–20" of all hip dislocations. Reduction of the anteriorly dislocated hip is more difficult than a posteriorly dislocated hip. It should still be performed as soon as possible under sedation or general anaesthesia.
