Infective Failure of Internal Fixation for Intertrochanteric Femoral Neck Fracture Presenting as Hip Joint Subluxation: A Case Report

Abstract

Complications following operative treatment of intertrochanteric fracture have previously been reported in the literature. Spontaneous subluxation following operating treatment of inter-trochanteric fracture has not been reported. We report a rare case of sponateous subluxation of the hip following a deep infection of the hip. An 86 years old female presented with sudden onset pain and difficulty in mobilization three months following a dynamic hip screw fixation. At surgery a deep wound infection was found and a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was cultured. After thorough debridement, girdlestone arthroplasty was done. The patient received specific intravenous antibiotics and after six weeks a total hip arthroplasty was done. In three years follow-up the patients presented with a fully functional hip without any signs of infection. Hip subluxation after a trochanteric fracture internal fixation is rare complication associated with high morbidity and mortality. Infection eradication holds a key for successful outcome in these cases. J Med Cases. 2010;1(2):51-54 doi: https://doi.org/10.4021/jmc31w