Hip dislocations are traumatic hip injuries displacing the hipbone from its normal position. It results in femoral head dislocation from the acetabular socket. A traumatic hip dislocation is when the ball of the hip joint is pushed out of the socket.

Hip dislocation is rare, with fewer than 200,000 cases per year in the US. This injury most commonly occurs during an automobile accident or fall, often occurring during sports. The chances of hip dislocation increases after it has happened once.

Diagnosis often requires hip radiographs to determine the direction of dislocation and CT scan studies to understand the injury in its entirety. The hip may be swollen, painful, and visibly out of place. The leg may be hard to move or may feel tingly or numb.

Signs and Symptoms

• Acute joint or groin pain
• Deformed appearance
• Inability to bear weight or difficulty walking
• Tenderness or warmth
• Swelling