Comparing Propofol With Fentanyl and Midazolam for Sedation in Closed Reductions of Traumatic Hip Dislocations

Traumatic native hip dislocations require prompt reduction of the dislocation to limit the risk of avascular necrosis and resultant hip arthrosis. Although closed reduction under sedation is frequently attempted, there is minimal evidence about which sedative agent is most safe and effective. The goal of this study was to compare the efficacy of propofol vs combination fentanyl/midazolam for closed reduction under sedation of traumatic native hip dislocations. This was a single-center retrospective review. The main outcome measures were the rate of successful closed reduction with propofol vs combination fentanyl/midazolam and time from the start of sedation to radiographic evidence of reduction. Fifty-four patients with traumatic native hip dislocations were identified. Closed reduction under sedation with propofol was successful in 11 of 14 attempts compared with 4 of 11 attempts with combination fentanyl/midazolam ( P =.04). The fentanyl/midazolam group had 6.4 times the odds (95% CI, 1.1–37.7) of failed closed reduction compared with the propofol group. The median time to reduction in the propofol group was 14 minutes vs 45 minutes for the fentanyl/midazolam group ( P =.18). Patients who had failed closed reduction with fentanyl/midazolam had a median time to reduction of 100 minutes. There was no difference in sedation-related complications between the 2 groups. We therefore conclude that sedation with propofol is significantly more effective than combination fentanyl/midazolam for closed reduction of native hip dislocations. To minimize unsuccessful reduction attempts and shorten total time to reduction, we recommend against the use of combination fentanyl/midazolam because of the high risk of failure. [ Orthopedics . 2023;46(2):86–92.]