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Common Symptoms Of A Dislocated Hip

Common Symptoms Of A Dislocated Hip

Some people don't realize that their hip pain is due to the hip being dislocated. Is the hip swollen, painful, or visibly out of place? These are some of the symptoms of a dislocated hip. It's good to know the signs and to seek treatment if a dislocation is suspected.

What Does Hip Dislocation Mean?

The thigh bone has a femoral head sitting in the hip bone socket, facilitating movement. A hip dislocation occurs when the femoral head is pushed backward or forward and out of the hip bone socket. The ligaments, labrum, muscles, nerves, and soft tissues that hold the bone in place can be injured or damaged due to hip dislocation.

Most patients who experience hip dislocation are often in severe hip pain and cannot move the leg.  The leg's position with a dislocated hip might seem abnormal compared to the other side of the body. If there is nerve damage, the patient might experience loss of feeling in the ankle or foot area. Other symptoms include:

  • Groin pain
  • Limping
  • Difficulty sleeping on the hip
  • Unusual warmth around the hip

The most common causes of hip dislocation are car accidents. In a vehicle collision, the knee hits the dashboard, forcing the thigh backward and popping the femoral head out of the hip socket. A fall from high heights and contact sports where falls are common can also cause the hip to dislocate. An orthopedic specialist performs a thorough exam to determine if it's a hip dislocation and rule out other injuries when such an accident happens.

Hip Dislocation Treatment

Hip dislocation is not permanent. It can be treated without severe long term complications if diagnosed and treated early. A non-surgical procedure called reduction can be done to treat hip dislocation. During the process, the patient is sedated, and the hip is manipulated back into place.

If you injured the tissues surrounding the hip or labrum due to dislocation, further treatment might be necessary. The doctor can suggest hip arthroscopy, a minimally invasive treatment that uses miniature instruments and a small camera to help view the hip joint. The doctor then makes the necessary repairs on the surrounding tissues and ligaments.

How Long Does It Take to Heal from a Hip Dislocation?

It can take a few months for your hip to heal after a dislocation. If the injury caused additional fractures, the rehabilitation might take longer. Most doctors recommend limited hip motion for a few weeks to minimize the chances of dislocating the hip again. The doctor also recommends physical therapy during recovery and walking aids such as crutches, canes, and walkers.

Orthopedic Care

Did you know that you can dislocate the hip and not even realize it? Other than the lingering constant hip pain that doesn't seem to go away, a hip bone dislocation might go unnoticed. Do you have the symptoms of a dislocated hip? Dr. Dan Albright offers top-level orthopedic care for your hip concerns. Call us today and make an appointment to start your healing journey.
 

  • ABOS
  • AAOS
  • AAHKS
  • NCOA
  • PractEssentials