On this page, you will find everything you need to know about hip dislocation.
What is hip dislocation?
Hip dislocation is a critical medical condition in which the hip joint comes out of the socket, causing severe pain and preventing the leg from moving until it is corrected. It can cause secondary injuries to surrounding blood vessels, nerves, ligaments, and tissues. It can also cause long-term damage, especially if not treated immediately.
In children, hip dislocation may sometimes occur as a result of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), a developmental condition where the hip joint does not fit properly into the socket.
What are the symptoms of hip dislocation?
- Severe pain.
- Muscle spasms.
- Swelling or color change in the hip joint.
- Inability to move the leg.
- Inability to bear weight on the leg.
- Loss of sensation in the hip or foot.
- The hip is clearly out of place.
What are the causes of hip dislocation?
- Hip dislocation usually occurs due to an accident or severe trauma. It usually requires a lot of force to push the hip joint out of the socket.
- Hip growth abnormalities (hip dysplasia) in children.
- People who have undergone hip replacement are also at higher risk of dislocation from normal activities.
What are the diagnostic methods?
The doctor will take the medical history and perform the physical examination, and may request additional procedures if needed, such as:
- X-rays.
- Computed tomography (CT scan).
What are the treatment methods for hip dislocation?
Treatment is done with several procedures or as needed and may include the following:
- Emergency care: If you suspect you have a hip dislocation, do not attempt to move it. Call an ambulance and go to the emergency room.
- Hip reduction: To correct the hip dislocation, the doctor will move the joint and return it to its normal place, which is called reduction. The doctor will recommend anesthesia and sedatives to relieve pain and muscle spasms during the procedure. The hip is usually reduced under general anesthesia.
- Surgery: If there are secondary symptoms, the joint may need to be repositioned in the operating room to repair nerves and blood vessels. Surgery is the appropriate option for infants with hip dislocation resulting from hip dysplasia.
- Surgery for infants: The joint can be stabilized to prevent future dislocations, and this procedure can be successful in 90% of cases.
What are the prevention methods for hip dislocation?
Follow safety guidelines: Dislocation often results from accidents, so following safety guidelines is the best way to prevent injury. Seat belts must be worn in the car, and safety gear must be used when practicing contact sports.
Exercise and sports: A previous hip dislocation increases the risk of future dislocations. It is possible to strengthen the joint by strengthening the hip tendons and muscles through physical therapy and regular exercise.
Hip dysplasia care: Children with hip dysplasia should be treated early because their skeletal structures are still growing to prevent future injuries.
What are the complications of hip dislocation?
Hip dislocation can damage the nearby nerves, blood vessels, and tissues, which may require separate repair. Sometimes, this damage can have long-term consequences, including:
- Nerve damage: The dislocated joint can affect the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the hip down the leg, causing severe pain known as sciatica. Sciatic nerve damage can lead to weakness in foot and toe flexion.
- Bone necrosis: If the femoral artery, which runs in front of the joint, is damaged, this can affect blood supply to the bone, causing tissue death and small fractures that weaken the bone structure. This is called bone necrosis or avascular necrosis.
- Arthritis: Hip dislocation can damage the cartilage lining the ball-and-socket joint as well as the ring of cartilage around the joint, called the labrum. This often leads to arthritis and increases the likelihood of needing hip replacement later in life.
When should you see a doctor?
If you suspect a hip dislocation, do not attempt to move it. Call an ambulance and go to the emergency room immediately.
Frequently asked questions:
How can I know if my child has hip dysplasia that may lead to hip dislocation?
By regular follow-ups with the doctor after birth to perform routine clinical examinations, which include ensuring there are no problems in the feet and hip.
