Redislocation after treatment of traumatic dislocation of hip in children: a report of two cases and literature review

From August 1998 to June 2005, we treated five children (age range 2–9 years) with traumatic dislocation of hip. The mean follow-up period was 4.1 years (range 1–8 years). There was acceptable reduction in all cases by single attempt at closed reduction. Two patients aged 2 and 3 years, respectively, had redislocation. Other complications like nerve injuries, avascular necrosis, growth disturbance, ectopic ossification and post-traumatic arthritis were not seen till the last follow-up (mean 4.1; range 1–8 years). Closed reduction is an effective treatment method for traumatic dislocation of hip in children, but adequate immobilization and protection from weight bearing is needed in children aged less than 10 years to prevent redislocation.