Hip Dislocation

Dislocations are classified based on the direction in which the ball slips out of the socket:

• An anterior dislocated hip occurs when the femoral head moves towards the front of the body. This is less common and usually results from accidents or high-impact sports injuries.
• Posterior dislocated hip occurs when the femoral head moves towards the back of the body. This is more common type, often caused by car accidents, falls, or direct blows. It may occur along with fractures of the hip bones.

Peoples with a dislocated hip usually experience:

• Severe pain, swelling, and/or bruising in the hip or groin area.
• Difficulty  in moving the affected leg.
• The leg may appear out of place or shorter than the other leg.
• Limited hip joint mobility.

A hip dislocation may result from:

• Major trauma, such as car accidents, falls, or high-impact sports.
• Hip dysplasia, where the hip joint is not formed properly from birth.
• Weak bones due to osteoporosis or ageing.
• Previous hip surgeries, such as hip replacement, which make the joint less stable.
• Improper use of assistive devices, such as crutches or walkers, which may increase the risk of falling.

Doctors diagnose hip dislocation using one or more of the following methods:

• Comprehensive assessment of medical history and symptoms.
• Physical examination of the hip joint: This helps detect pain or any other hip joint abnormalities.
• Imaging studies:
• Radiography (X-ray) to confirm the dislocation and check for associated fractures or other injuries.
• Computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess the extent of soft tissue damage and comprehensively the hip joint and its surrounding structures.

Based on the severity ad type of the dislocation, one or more of the following approaches may be recommended for treatment:

• Non-surgical treatments:
  • The main treatment is a procedure called ‘reduction’, in which the doctor gently moves the femoral head back into the socket under anaesthesia.
  • Medications are given to control pain and reduce inflammation.
• Post-reduction care:
  • A brace or splint may be used to keep the hip stable during recovery.
  • Rehabilitation and physiotherapy is started to restore strength, movement, and function. This may include exercises and mobility training.
• Surgical treatment:
  • Surgery may be necessary if there are fractures, severe joint damage, or repeated dislocations.
  • Procedures may include repairing damaged structures or performing revision surgery in patients with hip replacements. 

You should seek immediate medical care if:

• You experience sudden, severe hip pain after an accident or fall.
• You cannot move your leg, or the leg looks out of position.
• You notice swelling, bruising, or numbness in the leg after trauma.

You can reduce the risk of hip dislocation by:

• Using proper safety measures, such as wearing seatbelts and protective gear during sports.
• Avoiding high-risk activities if you have a hip replacement, such as bending the hip beyond 90° or crossing your legs.
• Maintaining bone health through a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D.
• Strengthening hip and leg muscles with regular, low-impact exercises.
• Using walking aids correctly to prevent falls.

If you suspect a hip dislocation, consult an orthopaedic surgeon immediately. A physiotherapist may also be involved in recovery and rehabilitation.