Dr. Alexander G. Athey
Hip, Knee
Dislocated Hip
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“Took time to allow me to express my issues and gave me a couple levels of options for current pain relief and expected future issues. Did my right shoulder replacement in 2018 and I have really good results. I had both hips replaced in 2016. JIS rocks.” — J. D.
Hip dislocations are serious injuries. If you suspect that you have dislocated your hip, it is crucial to seek medical attention to avoid further complications from developing.
Our highly-trained experts at JIS Orthopedics can provide an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Schedule an appointment at either our New Albany or St. Clairsville, Ohio locations today!
What Is a Hip Dislocation?
Your hip is a ball and socket joint. A hip dislocation occurs when the ball of the thigh bone (femoral head) comes out of its socket in the hip bone. This injury can occur in your right hip or left hip. Hip dislocations can be painful and serious injuries that may require medical attention to fix.
Different Types of Hip Dislocations
There are 3 main types of hip dislocations, and they are as follows:
- Anterior hip dislocation: Anterior dislocation is the most common type of hip dislocation and occurs when the thighbone is forced out of the hip socket towards the front of your body. It can happen in situations where a person falls on their back or sits in a cross-legged position with their knees raised toward their chest.
- Posterior dislocation: A posterior dislocation occurs when the thighbone is forced out of the hip socket toward the back of the body. Posterior dislocation can occur because of traumatic injury (traumatic hip dislocation), such as motor vehicle accidents. Traumatic hip dislocations may also occur during activities such as gymnastics or cheerleading. Posterior dislocations are the most common form of hip dislocation.
- Central hip dislocation: This type of hip dislocation is rare and occurs when the thighbone is forced out of the hip socket and displaced centrally. It can occur due to high-energy trauma, such as a car crash or severe impact from a fall.
It’s important to note that any type of hip dislocation is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention from a healthcare professional to prevent serious complications.
What Causes Hip Dislocation?
Hip dislocation often occurs due to significant physical injury and is typically caused by a great deal of force that pushes the hip joint out of its socket. Generally, a car accident is the most common cause of hip dislocation, followed by falls, sports injuries, and workplace incidents.
If there is developmental dislocation of the hip (hip dysplasia) present in you, it could take less force to cause a dislocation.
Additionally, if you have undergone hip replacement surgery, you may be at greater risk of hip dislocation, even while participating in regular activities.
How Do I Know If I Have a Dislocated Hip?
If you have a dislocated hip, you may experience some or all of the following symptoms:
- Acute pain in the hip area
- Muscle spasms
- Swelling or bruising around the hip joint
- Difficulty or inability to move your leg
- Inability to bear weight on the injured leg
- A visible deformity or dislocation in the hip joint
- Your leg may be rotated inward or outward
- Loss of feeling in the hip, foot, or ankle area
If you notice any of these symptoms and suspect you have dislocated your hip, DON’T move it. Moving it can cause more damage, including sciatic nerve damage (if your sciatic nerve is damaged, it can impede your capacity to flex your foot and toes) and avascular necrosis (bone death) of the femoral head.
Correcting hip dislocation needs specialized help, including identifying other related injuries, such as associated hip fractures, and is most effective when done quickly within a few hours of the incident. It is best to seek medical attention immediately to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.
How Are Dislocated Hips Treated?
Dislocated hips are usually treated depending on the severity of the dislocation. In most cases, the healthcare professional will use a technique known as reduction to manipulate the thigh bone back into the proper position in the hip socket. After the reduction is completed, the joint will then be immobilized with a brace or a splint for a period.
Physical therapy is usually recommended following immobilization to help strengthen the muscles around the hip, restore normal range of motion, and improve hip joint stability. Physical therapy can also be used to reduce pain.
When Is Surgical Intervention Needed?
If your hip injury involves significant secondary injuries, reduction surgery may be necessary in an operating room where nerves and blood vessels can also be treated. If you have had a hip replacement in the past, surgery might be needed to replace or reinforce the implant.
It’s essential to take a hip dislocation seriously as it’s a medical emergency. Seeking prompt care can provide short-term hip pain relief and lead to better long-term recovery.
For your convenience, we have offices located in New Albany and St. Clairsville, Ohio. Schedule an appointment with JIS Orthopedics today to help you get on the road to recovery!
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nicholas Walla
Sources
Address Your Hip Pain Today!
If you are experiencing pain or discomfort in your hips, schedule an appointment with JIS Orthopedics today. We have offices conveniently located in New Albany and St. Clairsville, OH. Our hip specialists can help you address your pain issues and implement a treatment plan to get you back to doing what you love!
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