Recovering after a car crash dislocates your hip
Follow up care explained by an orthopedic trauma surgeon and a physical therapist
The hip is a deep ball and socket joint. A hard crash can force the ball out of the socket. A doctor has to put it back quickly. This is called a reduction. Follow up care still matters once the hip is back in place. The same force can hurt the bone, cartilage, nerves or the blood supply to the ball of the joint. [1]
An orthopedic surgeon checks for these injuries. A therapist helps you move within the surgeon’s limits. [1]
Ask what putting the hip back did and didn't fix
Ask whether the final scan showed a fracture, a loose fragment or a joint that isn’t lined up perfectly. Find out whether the sciatic nerve was checked and whether you need another procedure. Keep copies of your reduction and imaging reports. Hearing that your hip is “back in place” doesn’t tell you the condition of the joint surfaces. [1]
Stick to your movement plan
Ask which positions could make the hip unstable. Find out if you need crutches, a brace or a limit on weight bearing. Have your therapist show you how to sit, sleep, get into a car and use stairs. Ask when you can drive, work and play sports again. Don’t test the hip by forcing a movement that hurts. [1]
Later checks can catch delayed damage
Poor blood flow can lead to osteonecrosis, a delayed injury to the bone. Arthritis may also develop if the cartilage was damaged. Ask which symptoms should prompt a call and what follow up imaging is planned. Get urgent care if the hip feels out of place again. The same goes for new numbness or weakness in the leg, or pain that suddenly turns severe. [1]
Questions for your orthopedic team
- Did the scan show a fracture or a loose fragment?
- Which positions are safe, and how much weight can I bear?
- How will we check for joint damage that shows up later?
Practice safe transfers before you go home
Before you leave the hospital, show you can move safely into a chair and a car. Write down the date of your next orthopedic appointment. [1]
Sources and further reading
This piece is general education drawn from orthopedic trauma and physical therapy. A dislocated hip is an emergency. After the reduction, follow your own movement and weight bearing instructions.
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