joint. The "ball part of the joint is the top part of the thigh bone. It is the femoral head. The "socket" is a part of the pelvic bone. The ball fits into a groove called the acetabulum. These bones fit together and are called the hip joint. The are held in place by strong bands called ligaments and muscles. When the thigh bone is pushed out of the socket, this is called a hip dislocation. It most often takes a great deal of force for this injury to happen. Other injuries, like a broken pelvis, often happen with a hip dislocation. This is a serious injury. It needs to be treated right away. You can have long-term damage to the nerves and blood vessels if you are not treated right away. ‚
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What are the causes?
- Car crash
- Fall, especially from a high place
- Sports injury
- Not doing the right things after a hip replacement surgery
What are the main signs?
- Pain in the hip, especially when trying to move
- Hip is in an odd position
- Not able to walk or put weight on your leg
- One leg looks shorter than the other
- Swelling or bruising in the hip
- Muscle spasms or cramping
- Pain or numbness that goes down the back of your leg
- Leg or foot feels cold
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
If the hip is dislocated, a doctor can often tell just by looking at the hip. The doctor will feel your hip and leg. This will help find where the problem is and to check for numbness. Your doctor will also check your pulse in your foot to see if there is an injury to blood vessels. Your doctor may order: ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
The doctor can sometimes put the hip joint back into place my moving it a certain way. This is called a closed reduction. With this, you are given drugs to help you relax and lower pain. ‚
Other times, you may need to have surgery. This is called an open reduction. ‚
Once your hip is back in place, the doctor may order other things to help your hip, like: ‚
- Rest
- Ice
- Crutches or walker to take pressure off the injured hip
- Brace to keep your hip from moving
- Exercises
- Physical therapy (PT)
- Traction
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Fight an infection
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
You cannot prevent a hip dislocation. You can lower your risk by preventing injuries or accidents. ‚
- Always wear a seat belt. Drive safely. Obey speed limits. Do not drink and drive.
- Be careful when on ladders, roofs, or high places where a fall could happen.
- Keep your home free of clutter and well lit to lessen the chance of falling.
- Wear protection when playing sports.
- Keep your muscles strong and flexible, especially if you have dislocated your hip in the past. If it has happened before, you are more likely to dislocate your hip again.
- Follow hip safety tips if you have had a total hip replacement:
- Do NOT bend your hip past a right angle (90 degrees).
- Do NOT cross your legs or ankles.
- Do NOT let your legs roll inward or outward and do NOT turn on your operated leg.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00352 ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚