Superior Iliac Hip Dislocation: A Rare Entity Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Background: Superior iliac hip dislocation is an extremely rare subtype of traumatic hip dislocation. Because of its unusual presentation and mechanism, it may be difficult to diagnose, and current management principles are mainly derived from isolated case reports in the literature. Case Presentation: We report the case of a 22-year-old man admitted to the emergency department following a high-energy road traffic accident involving a motorcycle collision with direct trauma to the right hip. Symptoms began approximately three hours before admission. Clinical examination revealed a painful fixed deformity of the right hip maintained in abduction and external rotation, with complete functional impairment. Distal neurovascular examination was normal. Plain radiographs demonstrated a superior iliac dislocation of the right femoral head. Pelvic computed tomography demonstrated bony lesions involving the posterior and superior walls of the acetabulum, without intra-articular fragments or associated injury of the proximal femur. Urgent closed reduction was performed under general anesthesia using longitudinal traction with the hip in slight flexion. Post-reduction radiographs confirmed a concentric reduction, and stability testing showed a stable hip up to 90° of flexion. Conclusion: Superior iliac hip dislocation is a rare injury that requires early diagnosis and prompt reduction. Computed tomography is essential to detect associated acetabular lesions. Long-term follow-up is recommended because of the potential risk of femoral head osteonecrosis and secondary osteoarthritis.