Hip Dislocation
Description
With this injury, the head of your femur (which is shaped like a ball) slips out of your hip socket. It may slip forward or backward out of position. This can damage structures around the joint.
Animations
Hip Dislocation
Causes & Triggers
Hip dislocations are often caused by traumatic injury. Auto accidents and falls are common culprits. Sports such as football, gymnastics and skiing can also cause hip dislocations.
- Accident (especially industrial)
- Fall
- High-force injury (especially motor vehicle accident)
- Sports
Signs & Symptoms
A dislocated hip causes severe pain. It prevents movement of your leg. If your nerves have been damaged during the dislocation, you may lose sensation in your foot or ankle.
- Inability to move leg
- Loss of feeling in foot or ankle
- Pain
Tips & Treatment
If you don’t have broken bones or other injuries, your doctor can manipulate your femur back into the socket. If you have injuries to soft tissues and nerves, you may need surgical treatment. You may benefit from physical therapy as you heal. Your healthcare provider can create a care plan that is right for your needs.
- Repair requires manually manipulating the joint back into place.
- This manipulation is done while the patient is under anesthesia or highly sedated.
- Because complications are possible, especially if fracture is involved, seek the opinion and care of a well-qualified orthopedic specialist.
