Hip Dislocation Following Dynamic Hip Screw Fixation: A Rare Complication

TL;DR

This paper reports a rare case of hip dislocation after a surgical procedure, caused by a hidden infection.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel case linking latent deep infection to hip dislocation following dynamic hip screw fixation.

Findings

Hip dislocation six months after surgery was caused by a latent deep infection.

Intraoperative sampling confirmed infection as the underlying cause.

Debridement, Girdlestone excision arthroplasty, and antibiotics were effective in managing the case.

Abstract

Hip dislocation is a rare complication following fixation of an intertrochanteric fracture of the proximal femur, and only a few cases of this condition have been documented in the literature. Atraumatic dislocation and deep infection are the most commonly reported. We report a case of hip dislocation presenting with pain and reduced mobility six months after dynamic hip screw (DHS) fixation. Latent deep infection was diagnosed, and organisms were isolated through intraoperative sampling. The case was managed with debridement, Girdlestone excision arthroplasty, and targeted antibiotics. Latent deep infection was identified as the cause of hip dislocation following DHS fixation in this case, with confirmation obtained via deep tissue sampling. Although spontaneous atraumatic dislocation after DHS fixation has been reported, underlying infection should be carefully ruled out.

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