Posterior dislocation of the hip - Thompson-Epstein classification
Thompson-Epstein classification describes five types of posterior hip dislocation defined by associated acetabular fracture or fracture of the femoral head as depicted on plain radiographs. In general, there are three types of dislocations in the hip joint:
- posterior: the femoral head is dislocated posteriorly, most commont type
- anterior: the femoral head is dislocated anteriorly
- central: impact of the femoral through the acetabular floor into the pelvis
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Type I | posterior dislocation with no or minor fracture |
| Type II | posterior dislocation with large single fracture of posterior acetabular rim |
| Type III | posterior dislocation with comminution of acetabular rim, irrespective of the size of fragments |
| Type IV | posterior dislocation with fracture of the acetabular floor |
| Type V | posterior dislocation with fracture of the femoral head |
References:
1. Thompson VP, Epstein HC. Traumatic dislocation of the hip; a survey of two hundred and four cases covering a period of twenty-one years. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1951 Jul;33-A(3):746–778; passim.
2. Epstein HC. Traumatic dislocations of the hip. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1973 May;(92):116–42.
3. Dwyer AJ, John B, Singh SA, Mam MK. Complications after posterior dislocation of the hip. Int Orthop. 2006 Aug;30(4):224–7.
Updated 2/12/2013 23:25 by Lambert