Hip Dislocation

Hip dislocation does not happen easily. It is typically the result of extreme impact such as a vehicle accident or fall from elevated height. The hip is a large, stable, weight bearing ball and socket joint that allows movement between the thigh and pelvis. Because of this sturdy structural makeup, when a hip dislocation does occur the structures that hold the ball in the socket are also damaged.

Dislocations of the hip are treated as medical emergencies due to their high likelihood of injuries to surrounding critical structures like bones, tissues, nerves, or blood vessels. Recovery from a hip dislocation always includes physical therapy to regain strength and movement.

Our joint reconstruction experts at Orthopedic Associates of Lancaster deliver expert care and treatment to help relieve your pain and get you back to your favorite activities as soon as possible. Learn more about OAL's hip specialists.

Symptoms

Severe hip pain that may extend into the knee
Inability to bear weight on the hip
Inability to move affected leg
Visual deformity of the affected leg.
Injuries to surrounding structures will also produce an array of symptoms such as weakness caused by nerve injury

Causes

Trauma such as a fall from a high elevation or extreme force such as with a vehicle accident or severe sports injury
Conditions such as osteoporosis

Risk Factors

Participating in high impact sports such as football
Riding in a motor vehicle
Occupations that require tasks to be completed at elevated heights such as working on a roof
Conditions such as osteoporosis

Diagnosis

Evaluation by an orthopedic surgeon
X-ray to show broken bones or fractures
MRI or CT scan to show potential soft tissue damage

Treatment Options

Surgical joint reduction to reposition the ball of the hip back into the socket
Surgical stabilization and arthroscopy- especially if other injuries are present