Low trauma posterior native hip dislocation with acute longitudinal transverse myelitis due to SARS-CoV-2 - A case-report

Abstract

Background: Native hip dislocations are most commonly seen after high energy trauma. While there are documented cases of hip dislocation with associated stroke, we present a case of posterior hip dislocation in the context of acute longitudinal transverse myelitis due to a rare presentation of SARS-CoV-2. Case report: A 60-year-old male presented with bilateral lower limb weakness with a shortened internally rotated left leg. Plain radiographs revealed a posteriorly dislocated native left hip and MRI of the spine showed acute longitudinal transverse myelitis of the cervical and thoracic regions. His nasopharyngeal swab was positive for SARS-CoV-2. His hip was reduced, and he was treated with intravenous steroids. His neurological symptoms improved with follow-up MRI showing resolution of the transverse myelitis. Conclusion: This case illustrates a classic orthopaedic emergency in the context of a rare presentation of SARS-CoV-2, and the vigilance that orthopaedic doctors must have when examining patients with lower limb neurological deficit.

Keywords

• Transverse myelitis
• SARS-CoV-2
• Hip dislocation
• Orthopaedics