Traumatic dislocation of the hip in young children.

Traumatic dislocation of the hip joint is an uncommon injury in children. The present report on this traumatic emergency is based on the authors' own observations of three cases and a review of the literature. The main problem is the possible development of avascular necrosis of the femoral head. The crucial therapeutic intervention to avoid this serious complication seems to be immediate, usually closed, reduction under general anaesthesia. A management protocol is presented.