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Anterior dislocation of the hip

Radswiki and Dr Sajoscha Sorrentino et al.

An anterior hip dislocation is much less common than a posterior hip dislocation. It constitutes for only 5 - 18% of all hip dislocations.

Pathology

While the posterior dislocation is often associated with fractures, the anterior dislocation is mostly an isolated injury.¹

Sub types

It can be classified into superior and inferior sub types

Radiographic features

Plain film

X ray signs of an anterior hip dislocation are the lesser trochanter being more visible due to external rotation. The hip is abducted and the femur head is usually inferior to the acetabulum. Shenton's line is also broken.

Whereas inferior anterior hip dislocation is easily recognized on an anteroposterior radiograph of the pelvis, the radiographic appearance of superior anterior hip dislocation is less straightforward, often leading to an initial misdiagnosis of posterior hip dislocation.

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