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Hip Dislocation
Medical Questions » Hip Dislocation
| Name: Hip Dislocation |
| Also known as: |
| Movement of the head of the femur (thigh bone) out of its socket in the pelvis (the hip joint). The hip may be dislocated at birth (congenital dislocation), dislocated in a major injury (traumatic dislocation), or dislocated because of severe arthritis or joint infection (pathological dislocation). |
Causes of Hip Dislocation
Congenital dislocation: some babies are born with one or both hips dislocated, or able to be easily dislocated. This is five times more common in girls than boys.
Traumatic dislocation: a very serious injury that occurs in severe accidents. The hip joint is forcibly torn from its socket, and the surrounding ligaments and muscles are badly damaged.
Pathological dislocation: because the joint is worn away, weak elderly patients with very severe arthritis of the hip may dislocate it quite easily. In younger patients, a severe infection of the hip may partially destroy the joint and allow it to dislocate. |
Symptoms of Hip Dislocation
Congenital dislocation: a delay in walking, uneven skin folds on the buttocks and back of the legs, and limping. A doctor can detect abnormal movement in the hips soon after birth.
Traumatic dislocation: severe pain in the hip and an inability to move the leg.
Pathological dislocation: often minimal pain, but unable to walk or bear weight on the affected leg. |
Tests for Hip Dislocation
All types of dislocation diagnosed by an X-ray. |
Treatment for Hip Dislocation
Congenital dislocation: if detected early, most patients can be effectively cured by putting the baby' s legs in a ' frog position' (widely spread) in a special splint or double nappies for three months. If this is not successful, or if the condition is not diagnosed until after the child is six months old, an operation to correct the dislocation is required.
Traumatic dislocation: an operation is usually necessary to repair the damage, and many months convalescence are required.
Pathological dislocation: treatment depends on the degree of disability and the patient' s general health. An operation to replace the hip joint may be undertaken.
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Complications of Hip Dislocation of its treatment
Congenital dislocation: in severe cases, an artificial hip may need to be inserted once the patient is fully grown.
Traumatic dislocation: permanent arthritis is often a consequence. The dislocation may be associated with a fracture. |
Likely Outcome of Hip Dislocation
Congenital dislocation: good long term results obtained with early treatment.
Traumatic dislocation: reasonable results obtained in many cases but may result in permanent disability.
Pathological dislocation: permanent disability common, depending on patient' s general health. |
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