A hip dislocation occurs when the ball of the thighbone (femur) moves out of place within the socket of the pelvic bone (acetabulum). This ball and socket forms the hip joint.

Hip dislocations are relatively rare and severe injuries. They are often associated with pelvic fractures . A normal hip joint is stable and strong. A hip dislocation can only occur when a strong force is applied to the hip joint, such as:

• Severe falls, especially from heights
• Motor vehicle accidents
• Sports injuries

These factors increase your chance of developing this condition. Tell your doctor if you have any of these:

• Prior hip replacement surgery
• Abnormal hip joint
• Alcohol use
• Poor muscle control or weakness leading to falls

Symptoms include:

• Severe pain in the hip, especially when attempting to move the leg
• Leg on the affected side appears shorter than the other leg
• Hip joint appears deformed
• Pain or numbness along the sciatic nerve area (back of thighs) if injury presses on this nerve

The doctor will ask about your symptoms, how the injury occurred, and will examine your hip and leg.

Tests may include:

• X-ray —a test that uses radiation to take a picture of structures inside the body, especially bones
• CT scan —a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the body, used to view fractures of the pelvis

Treatments include:

The doctor will manipulate the thigh and leg. This is to try to put the ball of the femur back into the hip socket. You may be given medications to relax, such as:

• Pain medication
• Sedation
• Muscle relaxants
• General or spinal anesthesia

If closed reduction is doesn't work, you may need surgery. Open reduction is often needed if the thigh or pelvic bones are also broken.