The "floating hip" injury is a result of high energy trauma. Management of the fractures may be delayed pending stabilization of life-threatening injuries elsewhere.
Features of the floating hip:
(1) fracture of the acetabulum and/or pelvis
(2) fracture anywhere along the length of the femur on the same side (often proximal)
Complications may include:
(1) sciatic nerve palsy
(2) avascular necrosis of the femoral head
(3) degenerative arthritis in the hip
(4) deep vein thrombosis
(5) heterotopic ossification
(6) significant hemorrhage, which may be occult (into pelvis and/or thigh)
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