A hip that is “out of place” generally refers to either a partial displacement, known as a subluxation, or a complete displacement, called a dislocation. A hip subluxation occurs when the head of the thighbone (femur) is partially forced out of its normal position within the hip socket (acetabulum). In contrast, a hip dislocation signifies that the ball joint of the hip has completely come out of its socket. Understanding the sensations and physical signs associated with these events can help identify such an injury.
The Immediate Sensations
When a hip dislocates, individuals experience sudden, excruciating pain in the hip area. This pain is often described as acute, sharp, or throbbing, making any attempt to move the affected leg nearly impossible. The intense discomfort arises from the disruption of the joint’s alignment and potential damage to surrounding tissues.
A strong sense of instability or “giving way” accompanies the pain. Individuals may feel their leg is out of place or that they have lost control over the joint. This sensation can be immediate and debilitating, preventing any weight-bearing on the injured leg.
Individuals may report hearing or feeling a distinct “clunk” or “popping” sound or sensation at the moment of injury. This cue signifies the femoral head shifting forcefully out of the hip socket. The combination of severe pain, instability, and a sudden shift makes hip dislocation an alarming and incapacitating event.
Accompanying Physical Signs
Beyond internal sensations, a hip that is out of place presents with observable physical signs. The affected leg appears deformed, including shortening or abnormal rotation. In a posterior dislocation, the most common type, the leg may rotate inward with the knee and foot pointing toward the body’s midline. Conversely, an anterior dislocation, though less common, causes the leg to rotate outward.
Swelling and bruising around the hip joint are common due to soft tissue damage and internal bleeding. These signs may develop shortly after the injury. The hip area might also feel abnormally warm to the touch.
Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot may also occur, suggesting possible nerve involvement. The sciatic nerve, which runs close to the hip joint, is susceptible to compression or stretching during a dislocation. Such nerve injury can result in weakness or altered sensation in the lower leg and foot.
Understanding Partial vs. Complete Displacement
The “feel” and severity of symptoms vary significantly between a partial hip displacement (subluxation) and a complete hip dislocation. In a subluxation, the femoral head is only partially displaced from the socket. This condition causes less intense pain than a full dislocation, and instability may be intermittent or less severe. Individuals with subluxation may experience a “snapping” sensation or difficulty bearing weight, but they may still walk, albeit with discomfort.
A complete hip dislocation involves extreme pain and an inability to move the affected joint. The joint is entirely out of alignment, leading to immobility and often a visible deformity of the limb. Unlike some subluxations, a dislocated hip cannot be self-repositioned, and the pain is constant and debilitating. The distinction lies in the degree of separation, with complete dislocation presenting a more pronounced and urgent medical situation.
What to Do Next
If you suspect a hip is out of place, seek immediate medical attention. This injury is a medical emergency and requires prompt evaluation by healthcare professionals. Delaying treatment can increase the risk of long-term complications, including nerve damage, blood supply disruption to the bone, and post-traumatic arthritis.
Avoid attempting to self-reposition the hip. Such attempts can cause further injury to surrounding nerves, blood vessels, ligaments, and bone. Medical professionals are equipped to perform a controlled reduction, often under sedation or anesthesia, to safely guide the hip back into its socket. Proper diagnosis, involving X-rays and sometimes CT scans, ensures that any associated injuries, such as fractures, are identified and addressed.