A hip dislocation occurs when the ball of the thighbone (femur) moves out of place within the socket of the pelvic bone (acetabulum). This ball and socket forms the hip joint.

The Hip Joint  

© 2009 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Hip dislocations are relatively rare and severe injuries. They are often associated with pelvic fractures . A normal hip joint is stable and strong. A hip dislocation can only occur when a strong force is applied to the hip joint, such as:

• Severe falls, especially from heights
• Motor vehicle accidents
• Sports injuries

These factors increase your chance of developing this condition. Tell your doctor if you have any of these:

• Prior hip replacement surgery
• Abnormal hip joint
• Alcohol use
• Poor muscle control or weakness leading to falls

Symptoms include:

• Severe pain in the hip, especially when attempting to move the leg
• Leg on the affected side appears shorter than the other leg
• Hip joint appears deformed
• Pain or numbness along the sciatic nerve area (back of thighs) if injury presses on this nerve

The doctor will ask about your symptoms, how the injury occurred, and will examine your hip and leg.

Tests may include:

• X-ray —a test that uses radiation to take a picture of structures inside the body, especially bones
• CT scan —a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the body, used to view fractures of the pelvis

Treatments include:

There are no guidelines for preventing hip dislocation. Most come from car accidents or sports injuries. To reduce your risk, take the following steps:

• Wear your seatbelt in the car.
• Obey speed limits and other traffic laws.
• Do not drink and drive.
• Wear proper safety equipment for sports.