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Hip dislocation happens when the hip joint is out of place and, although it is not a very common problem, it is considered a serious situation, which requires urgent medical attention because it causes intense pain and makes movement impossible.
The dislocation can happen when the person falls, during a soccer game, is run over or suffers an automobile accident, for example. In any situation, it is not recommended to try to put the leg back in place, as evaluation by a health professional is required.
Types of hip dislocation
Main symptoms of dislocation
The main symptoms of a hip dislocation are:
- Intense hip pain;
- Inability to move the leg;
- One leg shorter than the other;
- Knee and foot turned inward or outward.
In case of suspicion of dislocation, an ambulance should be called by calling SAMU 192 or by firefighters by calling 911 if incarceration occurs. The person must be transported lying on a stretcher because he cannot support the weight on his leg and also cannot sit.
While the ambulance is not arriving, if possible, an ice pack can be placed directly on the hip so that the cold can numb the area, reducing the pain.
Here's what to do when a hip dislocation occurs.
How the treatment is done
The treatment is usually done with surgery to reposition the leg bone in the groove in the hip bone because this is a change that causes so much pain that it is not advisable to try the procedure with the person awake.
The procedure to fit the leg bone in the hip must be done by the orthopedist and the possibility to move the leg in all directions freely indicates that the fit was perfect but it is always important to perform another X-ray or CT scan that may indicate that the bones are properly positioned.
If there is any change such as a bone fragment within the joint, the doctor may perform an arthroscopy to remove it, and it is necessary to stay in the hospital for about 1 week. In the postoperative period, the orthopedist may indicate the use of crutches so that the person does not place the weight of the body directly on this newly operated joint so that the tissues can heal as soon as possible.
Physiotherapy for hip dislocation
Physiotherapy is indicated from the first postoperative day and initially consists of performing movements performed by the physiotherapist to maintain leg mobility, avoiding scar adhesions and favoring the production of synovial fluid, which is essential for the movement of this joint. Stretching exercises are also indicated as well as isometric contraction of the muscles, where there is no need for movement.
When the orthopedist indicates that it is no longer necessary to use crutches, physiotherapy can be intensified taking into account the limitations that the person has.