What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Anterior Hip Dislocation
• Dislocated Hip
• Posterior Hip Dislocation

What is Hip Dislocation? (Definition/Background Information)

• A Hip Dislocation is a painful and traumatic injury that occurs, when the head of the thigh bone is forced out of the socket of the hip joint, either partially or completely. The dislocations may either be Anterior Hip Dislocations or Posterior Hip Dislocations
• Such dislocations are usually caused by high-energy impacts resulting from an athletic sport, a motor vehicle accident, or a fall from a substantial height
• Overall, middle-aged individuals have the highest rate of incidence of the condition
• A high percentage of Hip Dislocations do not require any surgical correction

Who gets Hip Dislocation? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Hip Dislocations may occur in individuals of all ages, races, ethnic groups, and gender
• Generally, middle-aged to elderly adults, have a high incident rate

What are the Risk Factors for Hip Dislocation? (Predisposing Factors)

Common risk factors associated with a Hip Dislocation include:

• Participation in high-risk contact sports, such as football, soccer, rugby
• Individuals with history of a previous hip replacement surgery
• Studies have indicated that Hip Dislocations may have a genetic component
• Excessive consumption of alcohol increases the risk of fall injuries
• Poor muscle control or weakness in the hip, resulting in falls

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Hip Dislocation? (Etiology)

A few causes of a Hip Dislocation include:

• Direct trauma to the hip, due to an automobile accident
• Taking part in any rough or high-impact sport
• Falling from a significant height; especially landing on one’s hip/side (or the injury occurring since the individual is overweight)

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Hip Dislocation?

Signs and symptoms of a Hip Dislocation include:

• Severe pain in the hip
• Noticeable bruising, swelling
• Decreased range of motion of the hip
• Visible deformity of the hip joint

How is Hip Dislocation Diagnosed?

Diagnostic methods that a physician may use to help diagnose a Hip Dislocation include:

• Physical examination: A physician will perform a thorough physical examination of the leg and hip. In addition to this, a complete medical history may aid in arriving at a definitive diagnosis
• X-ray of hip joint: An X-ray of the hip joint is a common method of evaluating a Hip Dislocation. This diagnostic test helps provide a clear image of the dislocation, shows if any bones are broken, and is useful in identifying any other damage to the hip joint
• Computerized tomography (CT) scan of hip joint: A CT scan takes a series of x-ray images from several different angles. These images are then merged to create cross-sectional images of the bones and soft tissues of the body. This allows a physician to examine the hip joint and surrounding structures of the body
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the hip joint:  An MRI is a more detailed scan that uses a magnetic field to produce images that allow a physician to view any damage to the bones and soft tissue, which surrounds the hip joint. This aids in confirming a diagnosis

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Hip Dislocation?

Complications associated with a Hip Dislocation include:

• Permanent damage to nerves and blood vessels
• Recurrent hip dislocations (chronic hip instability)
• Degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis)
• Temporary or permanent disruption of blood supply to the bone, which causes cells within the affected bone to die (a condition termed as osteonecrosis, or avascular necrosis of femoral head)

How is Hip Dislocation Treated?

A high percentage of Hip Dislocation injuries do not a require surgery. However, a small percentage of cases require surgery, in order to help realign the hip joint and repair any damaged ligaments.

Nonsurgical treatment measures include:

• Applying ice to the hip can help reduce pain and swelling
• Complete immobilization of the hip with a cast, may be required to restrict movement
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory oral medications, such as indomethacin and naproxen, may be used to treat a Hip Dislocation. These medications can help decrease the pain and swelling
• Individuals are likely to need physical therapy exercises. The goals of these exercises are to strengthen the muscles, increase stability, and decrease stiffness. A physical therapist may recommend an exercise program to aid in treating the condition

Surgical treatment measures include:

• Closed reduction: Closed reduction is a surgical treatment method that is used to realign the hip joint, back to its original position without making an incision. This procedure can be performed under general anesthesia, spinal anesthesia, or through conscious sedation with muscle relaxants
• Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF): Open reduction is a surgical procedure to realign the fractured bone, to its original position. Surgical hardware (such as plates, screws, or rods) is then used to stabilize the fractured bone under the skin. This procedure is only required, if any bones are also broken

How can Hip Dislocation be Prevented?

To prevent a Hip Dislocation, individuals should be careful and consciously aware, while performing any physical activities, such as sports, or even some normal daily activities that could lead to situations involving accidents. Children must be provided a safe environment to work, study, or play. Any possible dangers should also be anticipated and appropriate safety measures adopted.

A few ways to further help prevent unwanted injuries or Hip Dislocations include:

• Wearing appropriate footwear (such as the proper shoe size) may help prevent accidents
• Individuals, who participate in any high-risk sports, such as football, should wear appropriate safety equipment to help prevent the possibility of any injury to the hip

What is the Prognosis of Hip Dislocation? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The long-term prognosis of a Hip Dislocation is usually good, in a majority of the individuals. With proper treatment, a high percentage of the individuals can regain their full strength and range of motion, in the affected hip
• Some individuals with severely dislocated conditions may experience adverse long-term effects, due to damage of the surrounding structures. Immediate medical assistance is vital in reducing the possibility of development of any serious complications
• It may take about  2-3 months, to recover from a Hip Dislocation

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Hip Dislocation:

Of the 2 types of dislocation, the Posterior Hip Dislocation accounts for 90% of all Hip Dislocations.