A hip dislocation is a serious orthopedic injury that typically results from traumatic events such as car accidents, falls from height, or high-impact sports injuries. At Ortho Sport & Spine Physicians, we specialize in helping patients recover fully and safely from complex injuries like hip dislocations—whether through non-surgical rehabilitation or advanced surgical care.
How Hip Dislocations Happen
The hip is a ball-and-socket joint, where the femoral head (top of the thigh bone) fits snugly into the acetabulum (hip socket). A dislocation occurs when the femoral head is forced out of the socket, usually by extreme impact.
Approximately 90% of hip dislocations are posterior, meaning the thighbone is pushed backward out of the socket. The remaining cases are anterior, with the bone pushed forward. Both types can damage the surrounding ligaments, muscles, and nerves, and are often accompanied by fractures in the pelvis or femur.
Immediate Medical Treatment: Hip Reduction
The first step in treating a hip dislocation is a closed reduction, where the joint is manually repositioned under anesthesia. This procedure must be performed as soon as possible to reduce the risk of long-term complications such as avascular necrosis—a condition where blood supply to the femoral head is cut off, potentially leading to bone death.
In some cases, especially when there are associated fractures, an open reduction with internal fixation (ORIF) or total hip replacement may be required to stabilize the joint.
What to Expect During Recovery
Although a successful reduction realigns the joint, true recovery begins afterward. Healing from a hip dislocation can take several weeks to months, depending on the severity of the injury and any accompanying damage.
At Ortho Sport & Spine Physicians, we design personalized recovery plans focused on:
- Joint stability and strength restoration
- Pain management and inflammation control
- Safe return to mobility and daily activities
- Preventing re-dislocation or long-term complications
Our team may recommend physical therapy, bracing, or protected weight-bearing during the initial stages. As healing progresses, targeted exercises help strengthen the surrounding muscles and restore normal movement.
Common Complications of Hip Dislocation
Recovery is not always straightforward. Up to 40% of patients may experience long-term issues, including:
- Avascular necrosis
- Post-traumatic arthritis
- Chronic hip instability
- Nerve damage, particularly to the sciatic nerve
- Persistent pain or stiffness
Early and expert care is key to minimizing these risks. Our specialists use advanced imaging and diagnostics to monitor healing and make proactive adjustments to your treatment plan as needed.
Surgical Options If Needed
In more complex cases—particularly those involving joint fractures or cartilage damage—surgery may be necessary to fully restore hip function. Our orthopedic surgeons offer minimally invasive and joint-preserving procedures when possible, including:
- Fracture repair (ORIF)
- Labral tear repair
- Cartilage restoration
- Hip replacement (partial or total)
Our goal is always to optimize joint function, reduce recovery time, and minimize pain, enabling you to return to an active and independent lifestyle.
Let Ortho Sport & Spine Physicians Guide Your Recovery
With locations across North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Louisiana, New Mexico, Arizona, and other regions, Ortho Sport & Spine Physicians is a trusted leader in orthopedic and spine care. Our board-certified surgeons and rehab specialists are experienced in treating traumatic hip injuries and guiding patients through every step of recovery.
If you’ve suffered a hip dislocation or are experiencing ongoing hip pain after an injury, please contact us today to schedule an expert evaluation. We’ll help you heal smarter—and faster.
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