When you dislocate your hip, the ball of your femur (thighbone) pops out of its socket in your pelvis. Sometimes, the socket is broken as well. A dislocated hip is a serious injury that usually requires surgery to repair. In a motor vehicle accident, there are a few different ways you can dislocate your hip.
Fractures
Your hip is made up of three bones: the femur (thighbone), the pelvis and the acetabulum. The acetabulum is a cup-shaped socket that cradles the ball of your femur. In a motor vehicle accident, you can fracture any one of these bones. A fracture in your femur or pelvis is especially serious because it can damage the blood vessels and nerves around your hip joint.
If you have a fracture in your acetabulum, the socket can get damaged so that it no longer cradles the ball of your femur properly. If you have a fracture in your femur, the ball of your thighbone can pop out of its socket. This is called a dislocated hip.
Cartilage and ligament injuries
The cartilage is the smooth, white tissue that covers the ends of your bones and helps them move smoothly against each other. The ligaments are strong bands of tissue that hold your bones together. In a motor vehicle accident, you can injure the cartilage and ligaments around your hip joint. These injuries can make it easier for your hip to dislocate.
If you have an injury to the cartilage or ligaments around your hip, you may need surgery to repair the damage. After surgery, you will probably need to wear a hip brace for several weeks. You may also need physical therapy to help you regain strength and range of motion in your hip.
These are the most common causes of a dislocated hip injury. If you have any of these injuries, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can help you recover more quickly and prevent further damage to your hip joint. You may need surgery to repair the damage, but with proper treatment, you can make a full recovery.
