Hip Dislocation

Your hip is a ball and socket kind of joint where the socket is developed by the acetabulum – the large pelvic bone, and the ball is called the femoral head – the upper section of the thighbone or femur. When the femur is pressured out of the pelvis (the socket in your hip bone), it results in hip dislocation. There are two types of dislocated hip – posterior and anterior dislocation. The posterior dislocation is when the thighbone is pushed out of the pelvis in the backward direction.

The anterior dislocation is when the femur is pushed out of the socket in the forward direction.

Causes

• Falls from height
• Motor vehicle accidents
• Developmental dysplasia

Symptoms

• Joint immobility
• Pain
• Inability to lift weight
• Tingling and numbness (due to nerve injury)

Diagnosis

• MRI
• CT-Scan
• X-Rays

Treatment

In Adults

To avoid complications, you must visit an orthopedist within 6 hours of hip dislocation. Your doctor will suggest closed reduction non-surgical treatment if there are no fractures in the leg or hip. The process involves carefully and gently applying pressure to bring the hip back into the socket. It is the initial treatment stage. You will be under sedation of pain relievers throughout the process to reduce muscle tension and pain.

Mostly closed reductions give successful results. However, if it doesn’t, your surgeon will perform an open reduction and internal fixation surgery. The process involves removal of any bone fragments or excess tissues, along with the repositioning of the bones.

If you have had a hip replacement, the doctor will revise the implant and replace it if needed. A constrained liner may be used to replace the area surrounding the hip socket. It helps to minimize the risk of hip dislocation in the future.

In infants

Infants mostly encounter with hip dislocation. Usually, a doctor suggests surgery to treat the condition using different approaches.

Make an appointment for an accurate diagnosis and treatment program for a dislocated hip.