Start your One-Week Free Trial
Already subscribed? Log in »
Hip Dislocation
85% of hip dislocations are posterior, meaning the femur is dislocated posterior to the acetabulum.
Imagine a head-on MVA with the person seated, so the hip is in flexion and the knee strikes the dashboard on impact – this forces the femur posteriorly.
On exam, look for shortening, adduction, and internal rotation of the affected lower extremity.
Perform X-Rays in AP and lateral view to confirm the hip dislocation.
Assess for associated fracture of the patella, acetabulum, femoral head, and also to assess for sciatic nerve injury.