The hip joint is one of the strongest and most stable joints in the body. It is a ball-and-socket joint, where the rounded head of the femur (thighbone) fits securely into the acetabulum (socket) of the pelvis. When this ball is forced out of the socket, it results in a hip dislocation — a painful and serious injury that requires immediate medical attention.
Hip dislocations are typically caused by high-impact trauma, such as car accidents, sports injuries, or severe falls. In rare cases, a previously replaced or weakened hip joint may dislocate during normal movement.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we specialize in diagnosing and treating hip dislocations with precision, helping patients across Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas recover safely and restore full joint stability.
A hip dislocation occurs when the femoral head is forced out of the hip socket. Depending on the direction of displacement, dislocations are classified as:
Because the hip is surrounded by strong ligaments, tendons, and muscles, significant force is required to cause dislocation. The injury often involves damage to nearby soft tissue, nerves, and blood vessels, making prompt treatment critical.
Hip dislocations are most frequently caused by high-energy trauma, but certain medical or structural conditions can increase the risk even with minor force.
Common causes include:
Risk Factors:
A hip dislocation is an emergency situation and usually produces immediate, severe symptoms.
Common symptoms include:
If untreated, a dislocated hip can lead to permanent joint damage, nerve injury, or loss of blood supply to the femoral head (avascular necrosis).
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, diagnosis begins with a careful physical assessment to determine the type and severity of the dislocation. Dr. Robert L. Burke, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, uses advanced imaging to confirm alignment and identify associated injuries.
Diagnostic steps include:
Prompt and accurate diagnosis ensures proper treatment to prevent long-term complications.
Immediate care is essential for a hip dislocation. The primary goal is to restore the femoral head to its proper position as quickly as possible, minimizing tissue damage and preserving blood flow to the bone.
Emergency Reduction
Post-Reduction Care
Once the hip is repositioned, Dr. Burke performs follow-up imaging to confirm correct alignment and evaluate joint stability.
Additional treatments may include:
Recovery after a hip dislocation varies depending on the severity of the injury and the presence of associated fractures or soft tissue damage.
Typical recovery timeline:
Rehabilitation goals:
Dr. Burke’s personalized rehabilitation plans ensure a safe and complete recovery process for every patient.
A hip dislocation can have lasting effects if not treated promptly or properly.
Potential complications include:
With immediate medical care and structured rehabilitation, most patients recover excellent hip function and mobility. Severe or repeated dislocations may require surgical reconstruction or hip replacement for lasting stability.
While some dislocations result from unavoidable trauma, preventive measures can reduce risk:
Preventive strategies are especially important for patients with prior dislocations or hip replacements.
Seek immediate emergency care if:
Time is critical — the sooner the joint is restored, the lower the risk of permanent damage.
If heel or arch pain is keeping you off your feet, professional care can help you get back to the activities you love.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we offer comprehensive diagnosis and personalized treatment plans for plantar fasciitis to restore comfort and mobility.
Serving Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas, our goal is to help you move confidently and live pain-free.
Call (713) 436-3488 or Request an Appointment Online to schedule a consultation with Dr. Robert L. Burke, board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in foot and heel pain treatment.
A hip dislocation is a serious injury, but with prompt and skilled orthopedic care, recovery is possible.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we combine advanced medical expertise with personalized rehabilitation to restore hip stability and strength.
We proudly serve patients throughout Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas, helping them return to safe, active lives after injury.
Call (713) 436-3488 or Request an Appointment Online to schedule a consultation with Dr. Robert L. Burke, board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and joint reconstruction.
