When this happens, the result is immediate: severe pain, inability to move the leg and potential nerve damage leading to numbness in the foot or ankle. A hip dislocation is a medical emergency and it’s important to get immediate medical attention.
What Happens During a Hip Dislocation?
The hip joint is built for stability. It consists of:
- The acetabulum (the cup-shaped socket in the pelvis)
- The femoral head (the “ball” at the top of the thighbone)
- Supporting cartilage, ligaments, muscles and the labrum (a cartilage ring that helps seal the joint)
A dislocation occurs when the ball is forced out of its socket, usually backward.
Because such extreme force is required, hip dislocations usually happen alongside other injuries, such as fractures of the pelvis, femur or knee, and sometimes abdominal or head injuries.
Schedule Now with a Hip Specialist
What Causes Hip Dislocation?
The most frequent causes include motor vehicle collisions (especially when the knee hits the dashboard), falls from significant heights and industrial accidents.
Wearing a seatbelt is one of the strongest protectors against traumatic hip dislocation during a collision.
Dislocated Hip Symptoms
A person with a hip dislocation will likely experience:
- Severe hip or groin pain
- Inability to bear weight or move the leg
- Visible leg position abnormality
- Numbness or tingling
Because these injuries often occur with others, they require a thorough medical evaluation.
Do not attempt to move someone with a suspected dislocation. Call 911 immediately.
Treatment for a Dislocated Hip
Most hip dislocations require a reduction, meaning the surgeon manipulates the ball back into the socket. This is done under sedation or anesthesia to keep the patient comfortable and allow the muscles to relax.
In some cases, reduction must be performed in the operating room. If tissue or broken bone fragments block the femoral head from returning to place, surgery is required. After the hip is back in position, X-rays or a CT scan confirm alignment.
Nonsurgical Treatment
If the dislocation is reduced successfully and no fractures are present, the patient may only need:
- Activity modification
- Assistive devices (crutches or walker)
- Physical therapy
- Close follow-up imaging
Surgical Treatment
Surgery may be needed if:
- There are associated fractures
- The hip remains unstable after reduction
- Tissue damage requires repair
Surgical goals include restoring normal joint position and stabilizing fractured or torn structures. Recovery may involve limited weightbearing for several weeks.
Possible Complications
Because hip dislocations are high-energy injuries, there is a risk of complications. Some of these include nerve injuries (commonly the sciatic nerve), osteonecrosis (disrupted blood supply leading to dead bone tissue) or post-traumatic hip arthritis.
Prompt treatment helps reduce, though not eliminate, these risks.
Dislocated Hip Recovery and Outlook
Healing from a hip dislocation takes 2 to 3 months, often longer if fractures are present.
You can expect:
- Follow-up visits at 2 weeks, 6 weeks and 3 months
- Restricted hip movement for 6–8 weeks
- Limited or no weightbearing for 6–12 weeks
- Physical therapy to improve strength and mobility
- Use of crutches, walker or cane during recovery
Most patients regain excellent function with proper treatment, although some may experience ongoing stiffness or discomfort depending on the severity of the initial trauma.
Treat Hip Dislocation at OrthoNebraska
Need immediate help for a dislocated hip in the Omaha area? At OrthoNebraska, we want to make sure that our patients feel understood, safe and confident to take on an appropriate treatment plan. With proper management, we can help you reduce pain levels and improve quality of life.
