Hip Dislocation

What is hip dislocation?

A hip dislocation occurs when the head of the femur is forced out of its normal position within the hip socket. 

Dislocation may be posterior, where the head of the femur is forced backward and out of the socket, or anterior, where it is moved forward and out of the socket.

What are the symptoms of hip dislocation?

Hip dislocation can cause very severe pain in the hip or groin. This pain often prevents normal movement or weightbearing of any kind on the affected side. 

The affected limb may appear foreshortened and rotated. The nature of rotation is normally dictated by the type of dislocation (posterior or anterior). 

Where dislocation is associated with nerve damage, the leg may feel numb or weak. 

What causes hip dislocation?

Hip dislocation can result from a number of factors. These include: 

  • Trauma: high-energy impacts, such as those experienced during car or motocycle accidents, falls from height or sporting injuries are all common causes of dislocation. 
  • Congenital conditions: in some cases, people born with conditions associated with hip difference or deformity can be at increased risk of dislocation.
  • Hip arthoplasty: patients who have previously completed hip replacement surgery can be at increased risk of dislocation, particularly during the early post-operative period.  

What non-surgical treatments are available for hip disarticulation?  

Hip disarticulation is often accompanied by a high risk of associated damage to blood vessels, nerves and ligaments, as well as to bone death. As such, some level of surgical intervention is often required. Non-surgical treatments include: 

  • Closed reduction: this involves the manual manipulation of the joint into place. Following reduction, a brace or traction may be applied to support the healing process.
  • Physical therapy: rehabilitation targets improved muscle strength and joint stability in order to avoid future dislocation. Patients may also be advised how to modify their movement and activity to reduce the risk of injury. 

What surgical treatments are available for hip dislocation?  

Surgical intervention is neccessary if dislocation is associated with fracture or other injury, or if the joint remains unstable following closed reduction. Surgical treatments can include: 

Open reduction: this involves accessing the hip joint directly, through a surgical incision, in order to reposition it.

Open reduction with internal fixation: this involves the additional use of screws and plates to stabilise the fracture and hold the bone in place during the healing process. 

Partial hip replacement: involves the replacement of the femoral head with a prosthetic component. 

Total hip replacement: this can be neccessary where there has been extensive damage to the joint and involves the replacement of the femoral head and the hip socket with prosthetic components. 

To learn more about the various hip surgeries available, please visit our Hip Treatment page.

Contact Us

For further inquiries or to arrange a consultation, please contact Professor Al Muderis’ office at +61 2 88829011 or book an appointment online.