Septic Dislocation of Hip After Cephalomedullary Nail Fixation of Intertrochanteric Fractures of Femur

Abstract

Case: We describe 3 cases of septic hip arthritis with a dislocation after failed, cephalomedullary nail (CMN) fixation following fragility intertrochanteric (IT) hip fractures that were treated with antibiotic spacer placement. Conclusion: Septic hip arthritis and compromised hip abductors can contribute to dislocation of the hip after CMN for IT fractures. This case report presents a treatment plan to address this rare complication, not yet reported after CMN for IT fractures in the literature, to control infection and optimize function.

Subtle hip joint subluxation after femoral neck fracture fixation: an ominous sign in a report of two cases

“…The cause of subluxation is either infection, severe capsular injury, and/or valgus reduction. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7]11 Congruity of the hip joint in postoperative radiographs should be studied critically because missing this subtle sign can lead to a nonsalvageable condition.…”

“…Subluxations after fixation have been reported in the literature with a range of presentations (Table 1). The cause of subluxation is either infection, severe capsular injury, and/or valgus reduction 1–7,11. Congruity of the hip joint in postoperative radiographs should be studied critically because missing this subtle sign can lead to a nonsalvageable condition.…”