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:
- Posterior dislocation: The most common type (about 90% of cases), where the femoral head is pushed backward out of the socket — often caused by the impact of the knee against the dashboard in a vehicle collision.
- Anterior dislocation: Less common, the femoral head moves forward out of the socket, usually from a fall or sudden twisting motion.
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:
- Motor vehicle accidents: The leading cause of hip dislocation in adults.
- Severe falls: Especially from significant heights or while playing contact sports.
- Workplace trauma: Industrial or construction-related accidents.
- Sports injuries: Common in football, hockey, or skiing accidents with sudden impact or twisting.
Risk factors include:
- Previous hip replacement: Artificial joints can dislocate more easily than natural ones.
- Hip dysplasia: Shallow hip sockets make the joint less stable.
- Weak ligaments or muscles: Resulting from arthritis, prior injury, or surgery.
- Neuromuscular disorders: Conditions affecting muscle coordination or balance.
- Congenital hip instability: Present from birth in some individuals.
A hip dislocation is an emergency situation and usually produces immediate, severe symptoms.
Common symptoms include:
- Intense hip or groin pain
- Inability to move or bear weight on the affected leg
- Leg positioned at an abnormal angle — often shortened and rotated inward (posterior) or outward (anterior)
- Swelling and bruising around the hip or thigh
- Numbness or tingling due to nerve compression
- Possible bleeding or open wounds if trauma is severe
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:
- Physical examination: Evaluates limb position, pain level, and possible nerve or vascular involvement.
- X-rays: Confirm the dislocation direction and detect fractures.
- CT scan: Identifies small bone fragments or joint surface damage.
- MRI: Assesses soft tissue injuries, labral tears, or ligament damage.
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
- Closed reduction: Performed under anesthesia, the femoral head is carefully manipulated back into place without surgery.
- Open reduction: If the joint cannot be repositioned manually or if fractures are present, surgical intervention is necessary.
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:
- Immobilization: Crutches or a brace to protect the hip during healing.
- Medication: Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication to reduce swelling.
- Guided exercises to restore mobility, flexibility, and muscle strength.
- If the dislocation caused bone, cartilage, or ligament damage.
- Recommended when severe trauma or arthritis prevents proper healing of the natural joint.
- may also be used to remove bone fragments or repair soft tissue injuries sustained during dislocation.
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:
- Weeks 1–4: Rest, limited weight-bearing, and controlled movements.
- Weeks 4–8: Gradual strengthening and flexibility exercises under supervision.
- Months 3–6: Full restoration of movement, balance, and return to normal activity.
Rehabilitation focuses on:
- Improving joint stability and muscle strength
- Restoring full range of motion
- Preventing future dislocations through posture and alignment training
- Reducing scar tissue and stiffness
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:
- Avascular necrosis (AVN): Loss of blood flow to the femoral head, leading to bone tissue death.
- Arthritis: Early onset due to cartilage damage.
- Chronic instability: Weakening of ligaments that hold the joint in place.
- Nerve injury: Damage to the sciatic nerve causing weakness or numbness.
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:
- Strengthen hip and core muscles through regular exercise.
- Use proper safety gear when playing contact sports or riding vehicles.
- Maintain flexibility and balance through stretching and conditioning.
- Avoid extreme twisting or high-impact motions after hip surgery or replacement.
- Follow all post-operative precautions after joint replacement.
Preventive strategies are especially important for patients with prior dislocations or hip replacements.
Seek immediate emergency care if:
- You experience sudden, severe hip or groin pain after a fall or accident.
- Your leg appears deformed, shortened, or rotated.
- You cannot move or bear weight on your leg.
- You feel numbness or weakness in the foot or leg.
Time is critical — the sooner the joint is restored, the lower the risk of permanent damage.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
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.
