Definition

A hip dislocation is when the ball of the thigh bone moves out of place within the socket of the pelvic bone. It is not common.

The Hip Joint

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Causes

Causes are:

• Motor vehicle accidents
• Falls
• A collision

Risk Factors

Things that may raise the risk of this problem are:

• Prior hip replacement surgery
• Doing activities that involve heights, such as being on a ladder
• Playing certain sports, such as football, rugby, skiing, and snowboarding
• Health problems that result in falls, such as weak muscles
• Not wearing a seatbelt
• Having an abnormal hip joint

Symptoms

Problems may be:

• Pain in the hip, especially when trying to move the leg
• Pain that spreads to the legs, knees, and back
• One leg that looks shorter than the other
• Problems walking

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. You will be asked how the injury happened. A hip and leg exam will be done. This is often enough to make the diagnosis.

Images may be taken of your bones. This can be done with:

• X-ray
• MRI scan
• CT scan

Treatment

It may take 2 to 3 months to heal. The goals of treatment are to put the bones back in place. This may be done:

• Without surgery—anesthesia will be used to ease pain while the doctor moves the ball of the thigh bone back into the hip socket
• With surgery—tissue or bone fragments may be removed before the ball of the thigh bone can be put back into the hip socket

These treatments will also be needed:

• Rest and ice
• Pain relievers
• A splint or sling to keep the hip still as it heals
• Exercises to help with hip strength, flexibility, and range of motion

Prevention

Most hip dislocations are due to accidents. The risk may be lowered by:

• Wearing a seat belt in motor vehicles
• Wear safety gear when playing contact sports or working
• Strengthening the muscles around the hip joints