We describe two patients with obturator dislocation of the hip which was irreducible by described techniques of closed reduction. The first required open reduction using the iliofemoral approach with release of rectus femoris. The second was treated on a traction table which allowed disengagement of the head and, when combined with simultaneous lateral traction, adduction and gradual release of the longitudinal traction, facilitated a smooth reduction. Since the hip is stable in flexion, early mobilisation in an extension-limiting brace avoids the prolonged bed rest traditionally recommended for this injury.