Non-Traumatic Recurrent Anterior Hip Dislocation in Adults: A Rare Case

A case report published in Cureus has highlighted a rare instance of adult non-traumatic recurrent anterior hip joint dislocation, suggesting a link between joint instability and specific medical treatments.

The report indicates that long-term corticosteroid administration may be a risk factor for the development of non-traumatic hip dislocations.

The findings from this case, together with those from previous reports, suggest that long-term corticosteroid administration may be a risk factor for non-traumatic hip dislocation.

Cureus

According to the researchers, the underlying cause of this instability may be related to myopathy. This condition involves significant muscle atrophy, which likely played a critical role in the pathogenesis of the joint dislocation.

Context of Hip Joint Dislocations

Hip dislocations are typically associated with severe physical impact or surgical complications. Most documented cases result from high-energy trauma, while other occurrences happen postoperatively following a total hip replacement.

In contrast to these common scenarios, non-traumatic dislocations are considered extremely rare.

Data regarding traumatic hip dislocations shows that approximately 35% of these cases occur during the third decade of life. 75% of those traumatic injuries occur in males.

Mechanism of Non-Traumatic Instability

While traumatic dislocations are caused by external force, the non-traumatic recurrent anterior dislocation described in the Cureus report is linked to internal physiological changes. The use of corticosteroids over a long period can lead to the degradation of muscle tissue.

This muscle atrophy weakens the structural support surrounding the hip joint. When the muscles are no longer capable of maintaining the joint’s position, the hip becomes susceptible to dislocation even in the absence of a traumatic event.

The recurrent nature of the dislocation in this case further underscores the instability created by the underlying myopathy.