Life Science Encyclopedia

A dislocated hip is a condition that can be congenital or acquired. Congenital hip dislocations are much more common in girls than in boys.

Posterior vs. anterior

Nine out of ten hip dislocations are posterior. The affected limb will be shortened and internally rotated in this case.

In an anterior dislocation the limb will not be lengthened as noticeably and will be externally rotated.

Congenital vs. acquired

Congenital hip dislocation must be detected early when it can be easily treated by a few weeks of traction. If it is not detected, the child's hip may develop incorrectly seen when the child begins to walk. If one hip is affected the child will be have a limp and lurch and with bilateral dislocation there will be a waddling gait. On physical exam, with the baby in the supine position, the examiner flexes the hips and knees both to 90 degrees, and, holding the knees, pushes gently downward, which may induce a posterior dislocation or subluxation. Keeping the baby in this 90 degree flexed position, the examiner then externally rotates the thighs. A normal infant will demonstrate no evidence of dislocation. Congenital hip dislocation is much more common in girls than boys.

Acquired hip dislocations can be extremely painful and commonly occur during car accidents. They may be treated by surgical realignment and traction.

See also

• Dislocation of hip in animals
• Hip dysplasia