Anterior hip dislocations are relatively rare. They can be described based on clinical features.
Anatomic classification:
(1) obturator: anterior dislocation of the femoral head, going below the pubofemoral ligament to rest on the pubis or anterior to the obturator foramen
(2) iliac: anterosuperior dislocation of the femoral head, between the iliofemoral and pubofemoral ligaments
Complexity classification:
(1) simple: no accompanying fractures
(2) complex: fracture of femoral head or neck; acetabular fracture
Favorable prognostic factors:
(1) obturator dislocation (vs iliac)
(2) patient age at time of injury < 45 years
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