A hip dislocation occurs when the ball-shaped head of the thighbone (femur) separates from its cup-shaped socket (acetabulum) in the hip bone. A dislocated hip is a serious medical emergency requiring immediate attention. It results from significant force, disrupting the joint’s stable structure.
Recognizing the Key Signs
A hip dislocation presents with sudden, intense pain in the hip and groin area. This severe discomfort prevents any attempt to move or bear weight on the affected leg, as even minor movement significantly increases pain.
A visible deformity of the hip is a common indicator. The injured leg may appear shorter than the other and be rotated either inward or outward. In a posterior dislocation, the leg is often turned inward with the knee and foot pointing towards the body’s midline. Swelling and bruising around the hip joint can also develop. These dislocations result from high-impact trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents where the knee strikes the dashboard, or falls from significant heights.
Distinguishing from Other Hip Injuries
Differentiating a hip dislocation from other hip injuries involves observing specific symptoms. Unlike a hip dislocation, a hip fracture, while also very painful, may not present with the same obvious deformity or complete immobility. With a fracture, there might be some limited movement of the leg, albeit with significant pain.
Hip strains or sprains, which involve stretched or torn soft tissues around the joint, cause less severe pain compared to a dislocation. These injuries do not result in a visible deformity of the leg or hip, and some ability to move the hip, though uncomfortable, may remain. A bruise causes localized pain and discoloration but lacks the visible deformity or complete inability to move the limb characteristic of a dislocated hip. Partial dislocations, known as subluxations, share similar symptoms but may involve less intense pain and sometimes allow for limited weight-bearing, though still requiring medical assessment.
Immediate Steps to Take
If a hip dislocation is suspected, calling for emergency medical services immediately is essential. It is important not to attempt to move the injured person, as this could worsen the injury. The person should be kept as still as possible, ideally lying flat on their back.
Gently supporting the injured hip in its current position, without trying to realign it, can help prevent additional harm. While waiting for professional help, keeping the person calm and warm, perhaps with a blanket, can provide comfort. Do not try to “pop” the hip back into place, as only trained medical professionals can safely perform this procedure, often requiring sedation.
Why Prompt Medical Care is Essential
Prompt medical care for a hip dislocation is important to prevent serious complications. If left untreated, there is a significant risk of damage to nearby blood vessels, nerves, and cartilage. One serious complication is avascular necrosis, where the blood supply to the bone is disrupted, leading to the death of bone tissue in the femoral head. This risk increases if the dislocation is not reduced within hours, ideally within six hours of the injury.
Only medical professionals can accurately diagnose the extent of the injury and safely perform the necessary reduction, which is the process of realigning the hip joint. This procedure often requires medication to manage pain and muscle spasms. Timely intervention helps minimize long-term damage, reduce the likelihood of future dislocations, and prevent the development of conditions like post-traumatic arthritis.