Asymmetric bilateral traumatic hip dislocation: A case report

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic hip dislocation is a severe injury with the potential for significant morbidity and mortality. Bilateral hip dislocation is rare representing 1.25% of all hip dislocations. PRESENTATION OF THE CASE: A 19-year-old male had a high-speed motor vehicle accident. After stabilizing the patient, it was noticed that the position of the right lower limb was in adduction and internal rotation while the left was in external rotation and abduction. Pelvis x-ray showed right superior posterior and left anterior inferior hip dislocations. Closed reduction was performed within 3 hours from the trauma for both sides. The post reduction CT scan showed adequate reduction of both hips with no associated fractures. During his three-year follow-up, he never had any complaints and the clinical examination and radiographs did not reveal any abnormalities. DISCUSSION: Early reduction of hip dislocations minimizes the risk of osteonecrosis of the femoral head. The current recommendations state that a hip dislocation must be reduced within 6 hours. CONCLUSION: This is a rare case of bilateral asymmetric hip dislocations with no concomitant fractures. It is important to reduce hip dislocation within 6 hours from the time of injury to prevent osteonecrosis of the femoral head.