Hip Dislocation

What is a Hip Dislocation?
A hip dislocation is an uncommon injury that is generally caused by severe trauma. Sports injuries, falls from a great height, and car accident are common culprits of hip dislocation or hip subluxation. Severe hip pain is a result of a hip dislocation, with individuals experiencing difficulty shifting weight onto one side of the hip.

Significant force must occur for a hip to become dislocated, as the hip joint is generally highly stable and secure. Experiencing hip dislocation may mean that the individual is at a much higher risk of developing future problems involved with the joint, as the damage is usually extreme.

Hip Dislocation Symptoms
Hip dislocation and subluxation symptoms generally include:

– Mild to extreme hip pain
– Difficulty pushing weight onto the affected side and leg
– Abnormal movement of the hip
– Shortened leg on one side, and a hip turned outward or inward
– Numbness and weakness from neurological cause on the dislocated side

Hip Dislocation Causes
Common amongst the elderly, hip dislocation and hip subluxation is caused by the thigh bone being forced from its natural position tucked into the hip joint socket. The most common cause for a hip dislocation are patients who have undergone a hip replacement.

Other causes include:

– Leg or pelvis injuries
– Car accidents
– High-impact sports, including football, skiing, hockey, and rugby
– Children who have faulty genetic hip development while in the womb, developing hip dysplasia during childhood

How is a Hip Dislocation treated?
Hip dislocation and subluxation treatment involves forcing the thigh bone back into its natural position, in the hip bone joint. Accomplishing this as soon as possible after the dislocation is important to prevent the development of further complications, such as broken bones or fractures.