Hip Injuries in the Austere Environment

Hip injuries, including fractures and dislocations, are commonly encountered in the austere environment. Despite the evidence-based methods of arthroplasty and internal fixation commonly used to treat hip fractures in the developed world, alternative approaches such as traction and external fixation are often relied upon in the austere environment. Hip dislocations should be reduced urgently and this can often be achieved non-surgically through one of several reduction techniques. Delayed presentations of hip dislocations are not uncommon in the austere environment and, in some studies, prolonged traction has demonstrated acceptable results for such patients.