Hip Dislocation Care
By Michelle Duclos, MA, ATC, LAT, CES
Overview of a Hip Dislocation Care
The hip joint is a ball and socket joint, similar to the shoulder, and it is made up of the femur and pelvis. Around these bones are a thick labrum and many large muscles. The major difference between the hip and shoulder is that the socket is much deeper in the hip. This makes the hip joint one of the most stable in the body. Meaning it takes great force to cause a hip dislocation. In fact, 70 percent of hip dislocations in America are the result of car accidents. Hip dislocations in sports occur in high-impact sports like American football, rugby, skiing, snowboarding, gymnastics, race car driving, and equestrian sport.
Anatomy of the Hip
Symptoms of a Hip Dislocation
Hip dislocations are a severe injury. Someone with this injury would have extreme pain around the hip and upper thigh. It would be tough to walk, and the affected hip may look raised and internally rotated. Hip dislocations can also lead to avascular necrosis of the hip. This is where the femur’s head begins to break down due to its blood supply being cut off. Famously, this is the injury that led to Bo Jackson ending his professional football and baseball careers. Other complications from hip dislocation could include tearing of the labrum, fractures of the femoral head or pelvis, and nerve damage to the rest of the leg.
Dislocation of hip. A hip dislocation takes place when the head of the thigh bone is forced out of its socket in the pelvic bone.
Treatment & Recovery of Hip Dislocation
If you suspect that you have dislocated your hip, go to your nearest emergency room for an evaluation immediately. It is important to seek professional help soon due to the risk of damaging the lower leg’s nerve and blood supply. Once relocated or reduced, you should take time to control the pain and inflammation. This can be done with ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and narcotics. Consulting with an Orthopaedic physician is the best way to determine your next step. Therefore, some cases required surgical intervention to properly reduce the hip or treat tears to the labrum and surrounding tissues.
A doctor may prescribe physical therapy to help regain motion and strengthen the muscles that support the hip. Physical therapy is crucial after a hip dislocation because of the role the hip plays in weight-bearing. Talking with a therapist about your goals can help you plan a rehabilitation schedule that is best for you. Athletes typically return to full activity after 4 to 6 months. It is important to remember that each case is different and comes with its own unique recovery needs. If you have any questions, it is important to consult your doctor or therapist to determine the best treatment course.
Related Articles: Hip Resurfacing and Types if Hip Surgery.
JOI and JOI Rehab
JOI Physicians continue to offer online new patient appointments. This is another option to make it more convenient to make new patient appointments with less phone hold times. Follow the link below to select your JOI MD and schedule online.
You can still call 904-JOI-2000 to make new patient JOI Physician Appointments if that is your preference.
To make appointments with JOI Rehab, please call 904-858-7045.
By: Michelle Duclos, MA, ATC, LAT, CES
Book An Appointment with a JOI Physician.