Hip dislocations
Date issued: March 2019
For review: March 2021
Ref: A-406/MY/Physiotherapy/Hip dislocations
PDF: Hip Dislocation [pdf] 516KB
Basic Anatomy
- The hip joint is one of the largest joints in the body.
- It is made up of the femur (thighbone) and pelvis.
- When a hip dislocates, the femoral head (head of the femur) comes out of its socket (acetabulum).
- Hip dislocations can occur due to congenital deformities, trauma and following hip replacements
Treatment
- The initial treatment for a hip dislocation is a procedure called a ‘reduction’, where the top of the thigh bone is manually moved back into the socket with pain relief
- The doctor may want to x-ray your hip after the ‘reduction’
- Pain medication may also help to relieve any pain whilst you recover
- You may need on-going Physiotherapy to aid your recovery
Daily activities
- You may find certain activities difficult due to pain, so we can issue you equipment to make these tasks easier. You will be assessed for equipment and issued it to take home if necessary
- You will probably be issued a walking aid (crutches or frame) and shown how to use these by the Physiotherapist
Pre-cautions following a hip replacement or re-location of a dislocated hip:
It is possible for a new hip joint or for a hip joint that has been put back into joint to dislocate. The risks of this can be significantly reduced by following the advice below for the next 3 months:
- Do not sit on low furniture
- Do not cross your legs
- Do not bring your knee higher than your hip (more than 90°)
- Do not bend over from standing
- Don’t twist your hip or swivel on your feet
