complications

Last reviewed 01/2018

Possible complications include:

• acetabular fracture:
• the acetabulum may be sheared
• any fragments that have entered the joint should be removed by operation
• large bony fragments may be fixed by screws

• an accompanying femoral head fracture

• sciatic nerve injury

• avascular necrosis of the femoral head:
• immediate serious impairment of the femoral head blood supply occurs in about 10% of traumatic hip dislocations following immediate reduction
• the incidence rises to 40% if reduction is delayed for more than a few hours

• secondary osteoarthritis - from cartilage damage at the time of dislocation, or to femoral head necrosis