Close-up of personal physiotherapist rehabilitating senior woman's joints after hip reconstruction

Dislocated Hip: The Symptoms

Categories: Diagnosis & Testing


As a leading Long Island orthopedist, we’re no strangers to hip questions. Very often, our patients complain of hip pain. This includes swelling, aches or feeling “out of place.” Have you been experiencing any of these issues? If so, you might be feeling the symptoms of a dislocated hip.

In this post, we’ll discuss hip dislocations and their corresponding symptoms. In addition, we’ll explore treatment and how an orthopedist can guide you to recovery. Keep reading to find out more.
 

What Causes a Dislocated Hip?

Basically, a hip dislocation occurs when an impact forces the femoral head of the thighbone out of the hip bone socket. As a result, there may be damage to the nerves, muscles, ligaments and other soft tissues.

Usually, car accidents are the primary cause of hip dislocations. Typically, in the impact of an accident, the knee hits the dashboard. This force drives the thigh backward and drive the femur head out of the socket. Also, a fall from a certain height can cause the hip to dislocate. And of course, contact sports can lead to hip dislocations, as well.

Symptoms

Usually, much like strains, patients with dislocated hips are in severe pain. Also, they’re unable to move their legs. If there’s nerve damage, you may experience loss of feeling in your ankle or foot.

Some additional symptoms include difficulty sleeping on your hip, abnormal warmth around the area, limping and groin pain.

Assessment & Treatment

If a hip dislocation is diagnosed early enough, it can be treated without any long-term complications. Usually, an orthopedist can maneuver a hip back in place while the patient is sedated. This non-invasive procedure is called a “reduction.” Afterwards, x-rays or CAT scans will confirm that the bones are in the right place.

If the surrounding tissues have damage as a result of the dislocation, additional treatment may be necessary. Usually, this requires a hip arthroscopy. This is a  treatment that employs small instruments and a miniature camera to examine the hip joint. Then, your doctor can make the repairs to the soft tissue or ligaments as needed.

Healing & Recovery

Very often, it takes a few months for a hip to heal at home after this injury. If there are more fractures, then the recovery time will take longer. Your doctor will most likely advise reducing hip motion for a few weeks to limit the chance of your hip dislocating again. In order to speed up healing, physical therapy is always advisable. In addition, aids like canes, walkers and crutches can help reduce strain on your hips.
 

Conclusion – Central Orthopedic Group

Are you feeling any dislocation symptoms? These can often be one of the more painful and inconvenient injuries. Therefore, if you suspect you might have a dislocated hip, you should make an appointment with our specialists at Central Orthopedic Group today.