Management of a Pipkin Type I Femoral Head Fracture-Dislocation: A Case Report
Keywords:
Smith-Petersen Approach, ORIF, Hip Dislocation, Femoral Head Fracture, Pipkin Type IAbstract
Femoral head fracture constitutes a significant injury to the joint of hip and has traditionally been related to poor functional outcomes. The predominant categorization is that of Pipkin, which is predicated on positioning of the fracture of head of femurs regarding the fovea, as well as any additional lesions on the femoral neck or acetabulum. This report describes a 28-year female case showed to the Emergency Department (ED) following 3 hours from road traffic accident, with a shortened, externally rotated left lower limb but intact neurovascular status and stable vital signs. X-ray revealed a left hip fracture-dislocation. Closed reduction was successfully performed. Subsequent internal fixation and open reduction via a Smith-Petersen anterior approach, with anatomical reduction achieved using three headless compression screws without redislocation. At six-month follow-up, the patient was ambulating fully weight-bearing, with pain-free range of motion and normal muscle strength. This case report demonstrated the successful management of a Pipkin Type I fracture of head of femurs -dislocation through prompt diagnosis, early closed reduction, and definitive open reduction and internal fixation using the Smith-Petersen approach. Our findings highlight the importance of early diagnosis and rapid reduction in managing complex hip injuries to ensure favorable functional outcomes. Our report supports the utilization of the anterior approach for achieving stable fixation and favorable functional outcomes.
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