Locked Central Fracture Dislocation of the Hip in a Child after Low-Energy Trauma

Abstract

We present the case of a 13-year-old boy who sustained a locked central fracture dislocation of the right acetabulum following a bicycle fall. Immediate external reduction maneuvers under general anesthesia were unsuccessful due to intrapelvic entrapment of the femoral head. Open reduction internal fixation was achieved 48 hours later. After an initial satisfactory postoperative course, the patient ended up developing severe hip osteoarthritis 16 months after the procedure. The rarity of this injury in children is discussed, with its possible implications on joint congruity and potential growth injury.