Hip Dislocation (Subluxation)
The hip is one of the largest joints in your body and an important structure for maintaining proper balance and stability. The hip is created by a ball-and-socket joint, which means that it has a rounded head at the top of your thighbone that fits neatly into a cup-like socket in your pelvis.
These two parts are protected by thick layers of cartilage, which protects the bone and allows the hip to move smoothly. A dislocated hip occurs when your femur is displaced from your hip socket. This condition is usually brought about from a traumatic injury or medical condition.
Hip Dislocations Need to Be Treated Quickly
A hip dislocation is a very serious injury that can actually affect your blood flow to your leg. If left untreated by emergency assistance, permanent complications and nerve damage can be the result. Dislocation can cause a lot of damage to the surrounding ligaments, muscles, and blood vessels. If the dislocation is severe enough, it can actually cut off blood flow to your leg.
This is called "avascular necrosis" and can lead to the death of the bone tissue.
Treatment, Dislocation and Replacement
Types of Treatment for Dislocation
If you have been diagnosed with a hip dislocation or are worried that it may develop, the following treatments can help:
- In many cases, rest and immobilization will be an important part of your recovery. This could mean wearing a brace or cast to keep the joint from moving as it heals. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to stabilize the joint.
- Physical therapy can help you regain strength and mobility in your hip after a dislocation. Your therapist will design a custom treatment plan that includes exercises and stretches that are safe for you to do.
- You may also need to take medication to control pain and inflammation. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help. If the joint is inflamed, a prescription steroid drug may be prescribed for you.
Hip Replacement and Dislocation
If you have already gone through a hip replacement procedure, something as simple as bending down to tie your shoe could dislocate your hip.
This is because your joints move in a different way and you will need to relearn to do simple tasks.
Total hip replacement is a surgical procedure to replace the damaged or diseased parts of the hip joint with artificial components.
The goal is to relieve pain and improve function while preserving the normal alignment and motion of the hip joint.
There are several reasons why a patient may need hip replacement surgery, including: severe arthritis of the hip joint, hip fracture or dislocation, avascular necrosis (death of bone tissue due to poor blood supply), and certain conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, such as osteoporosis.
Arthritis in the Joints
Learn MoreOsteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, is caused when cartilage between two bones deteriorates over time. It is the most common form of arthritis and can affect your knees.
Physical Therapy
Learn MorePhysical Therapy
With CHRISTUS Health, you will be in a physical therapy program that works to return your body back to its peak performance as promptly and safely as possible.