When Should Surgery Be Considered for Hip Dislocation?

Hip dislocation can be caused by trauma, such as road traffic accidents or falling from a height. Surgical treatment may be necessary, depending on the nature and severity of the injury. The following are indications that surgery may be considered in four critical scenarios.

1. Inability to Reduce the Dislocation Manually

Many of the hip dislocations are treatable with manual reduction, where a health professional moves the hip back to its normal anatomical position; in certain cases, when this does not succeed or when the dislocation is complicated it needs surgical intervention. Surgical treatment will align and stabilize properly to avoid complications.

2. Associated Fractures

Sometimes, hip dislocations may combine with femoral or pelvic fractures. In the case of the mentioned above fractures, surgical repair is indicated to correct the fracture and restore the hip to its normal anatomy. It has lately been considered that simultaneous fixation of these injuries may significantly improve the overall results.

3. Signs of Avascular Necrosis

Avascular necrosis is a condition where the femoral head loses its blood supply during dislocation and the bone subsequently dies. If AVN is suspected based on studies or symptomatology, then surgical intervention might be indicated to prevent further deterioration of the joint. Under such circumstances other options could be sought like bone grafting or hip resurfacing as ways of preserving the joint.

4. Persistent Instability or Recurrent Dislocations

In such patients where instability or recurrent dislocations persist despite the conduct of conservative treatments, indications for surgery may be raised. Capsular repair or reconstruction may prove effective in stabilizing the joint, preventing future dislocations thereby improving function and quality of life.

Conclusion

Surgery for hip dislocation should be considered if manual reduction has failed, associated fractures are present, signs of avascular necrosis occur, or in instances of persistent instability. Therefore, early consultation with an orthopaedic specialist will be quite useful for the proper assessment and devising the best course of treatment thereafter to achieve optimal long-term results and improvement in mobility and function of the joint.