A hip dislocation occurs when the ball of the thighbone (femur) moves out of place within the socket of the pelvic bone (acetabulum). This ball and socket forms the hip joint.
Hip dislocations are relatively rare and severe injuries. They are often associated with pelvic fractures . A normal hip joint is stable and strong. A hip dislocation can only occur when a strong force is applied to the hip joint, such as:
These factors increase your chance of developing this condition. Tell your doctor if you have any of these:
Symptoms include:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms, how the injury occurred, and will examine your hip and leg.
Tests may include:
Treatments include:
The doctor will manipulate the thigh and leg. This is to try to put the ball of the femur back into the hip socket. You may be given medications to relax, such as:
If closed reduction is doesn't work, you may need surgery. Open reduction is often needed if the thigh or pelvic bones are also broken.
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://www.aaos.org/
American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
http://www.aossm.org/tabs/Index.aspx/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Orthopaedic Association
http://www.coa-aco.org/
Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation
http://www.canorth.org/
References:
Canale ST, Campbell WC. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics . 9th ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby, Inc; 1998.
Hip dislocation. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php . Updated February 2008. Accessed July 7, 2008.
Roberts JR, Hedges JR, Bell MH. Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine . 3rd ed. Chicago, IL: WB Saunders Company; 1998.
Rosen P, et al. Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice . 4th ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby-Year Book, Inc; 1998.
Last reviewed November 2008 by John C. Keel, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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