If the hip is only partially dislocated, it’s called hip subluxation.
When this happens, the ball of the hip joint only comes part way out of the socket.
A dislocated hip is an uncommon injury.
Verywell / Alex Dos Diaz
Verywell / Alex Dos Diaz
A dislocated hip can also occur as acomplication of hip replacement surgery.
This article looks at the causes of a dislocated hip and some of the treatment options for this condition.
Fortunately,newer prostheticsand surgical techniques are making this far less common.
Hip Anatomy and Alignment
Your hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint called thefemoroacetabularjoint.
The socket of your hip joint is called theacetabulum.
Hip dislocations are unusual because the ball is held deeply within your hip socket.
By contrast, the ball in your shoulder joint sits in a shallow socket.
This is one reason whyshoulder dislocationsare very common, while hip dislocations are less common.
The bony anatomy of your hip creates a stable joint.
For a hip dislocation to occur, significant force must be applied to the joint.
Some people feel a snapping sensation of the hip.
This isn’t usually hip dislocation.
Instead, the sensation indicates a different problem calledsnapping hip syndrome.
Posterior Hip Dislocation
Up to 90% of all hip dislocations are posterior.
In this jot down of injury, the ball is pushed backward out of the socket.
Posterior dislocations sometimes result in injuries to thesciatic nerve.
Anterior Hip Dislocation
Anterior dislocations are much less common.
In this throw in of injury, the femoral head is pushed forward out of the socket.
With a posterior dislocation, your knee and foot will be rotated towards the midline of your body.
With an anterior dislocation, your knee and foot will be rotated away from the midline.
People with a hip subluxation may have many of the same complications as those with a hip dislocation.
Children with DDH have hip joints that did not form normally during development.
This causes a loose fit of the ball in the socket.
In some cases of DDH, the hip joint is completely dislocated.
In others, it’s prone to becoming dislocated.
In milder cases, the joint is loose but not prone to dislocation.
Treatment Options
The most important way a dislocated hip is treated is with a joint reduction.
This is a procedure that positions the ball back into the socket.
It is usually done with sedation or undergeneral anesthesia.
Repositioning a hip dislocation usually requires significant force.
In some cases, surgery is necessary to return the joint to its normal position.
A hip dislocation is considered an emergency.
Depending on what your healthcare provider finds, further treatment may be necessary.
Broken bones, for example, may need to be repaired so that keep the ball within the socket.
Damaged cartilage may have to be removed from the joint.
During this procedure, a surgeon inserts a tiny camera into your hip joint.
The camera helps the surgeon make repairs using instruments inserted through other small incisions.
It is common to develop early arthritis of the hip after this key in of trauma.
This is why many people who have a hip dislocation ultimately need hip replacement surgery.
Hip replacement surgery replaces the ball and socket of the damaged hip joint.
This surgery may be performed for many reasons, including trauma or arthritis.
Hip replacement is among the most common and most successful orthopedic surgeries.
Still, it is a major surgical procedure and is not without risk.
Your recovery time will depend on if you had other injuries such as fractures or tears.
It may be between two and three months before you are fully recovered.
If you had any additional injuries, your recovery may take longer.
Recovering from a hip dislocation is a long process.
It is important to keep weight off your leg until your surgeon or physical therapist says you are ready.
Taking it slow will help ensure proper healing and recovery.
Summary
A hip dislocation can happen as a result of trauma or following hip replacement surgery.
Other injuries like ligament tears, bone fractures, and cartilage damage can occur along with the dislocation.
Most hip dislocations are treated with joint reduction.
This is a procedure that puts the ball back into the socket.
It is usually done with sedation or under general anesthesia.
Recovering from a hip dislocation takes time.
It may be a few months before you are fully recovered.
Physical therapy can help you regain motion and strength in your hip.
A Word From Verywell
A hip dislocation or subluxation is a potentially devastating injury.
It can lead to both short-term and long-term problems with the hip joint.
If there are, surgical intervention may be necessary.
Ultimately, hip replacement may become necessary if there was long-term damage to the hip joint.
Frequently Asked Questions
A hip dislocation is a significant injury.
You may be able to begin walking again four to eight weeks after your injury.
You will probably not be fully recovered, however, for two to three months.
A hip dislocation is a very painful injury.
If your hip is dislocated, you will be unable to walk or move your leg.
If you have any nerve damage associated with your injury, your hip or foot may feel numb.
A dislocated hip needs to be reduced by a medical professional.
Because this requires a lot of force, it will usually need to be done under general anesthesia.
Some dislocated hips may even need surgical correction.
Generally speaking, the best position to sleep in after a hip dislocation injury is on your back.
Do not lie on the injured side of your hip.
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