Hip Fractures & Hip Dislocations
Traumatic hip injuries involving a break or displacement of the hip joint, often causing severe pain, loss of mobility, and the need for urgent medical care.
Hip fractures and hip dislocations are serious injuries that usually occur following trauma, such as a fall, motor vehicle accident, or sporting injury. Both conditions can cause sudden pain, deformity, and an inability to weight-bear, and often require urgent assessment and treatment.
While hip fractures are more common in older adults, particularly those with reduced bone density, hip dislocations tend to occur following high-energy trauma and may affect younger, active individuals. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate management are important to reduce complications and support recovery.
At Melbourne Orthopaedic Clinic, hip fractures and dislocations are managed through timely assessment, appropriate imaging, and evidence-based treatment tailored to the type of injury and individual patient needs.
On this page, you’ll learn about:
- What is a Hip Fracture?
- What is a Hip Dislocation?
- Common Causes of Hip Fractures and Dislocations
- Symptoms of Hip Fracture or Dislocation
- How Hip Fractures And Dislocations Are Diagnosed
- Treatment Options For Hip Fracture And Hip Dislocation
- Recovery and Rehabilitation following Hip Fracture or Dislocation
A hip fracture is a break in the upper part of the femur (thigh bone) near the hip joint. These fractures most commonly occur after a fall, particularly in older adults with osteoporosis, but may also result from significant trauma in younger people.
Common types of hip fractures include:
- Femoral neck fractures
- Intertrochanteric fractures
- Subtrochanteric fractures
Hip fractures typically cause immediate pain and difficulty or inability to stand or walk.
A hip dislocation occurs when the ball of the thigh bone is forced out of the hip socket. This is a medical emergency and most often results from high-energy trauma such as car accidents or major sporting injuries.
Hip dislocations may be:
- Posterior, where the femoral head moves backward out of the socket (most common)
- Anterior, where the femoral head moves forward
Dislocation can damage surrounding structures, including cartilage, ligaments, nerves, and blood supply to the hip.
Common Causes of Hip Fractures and Dislocations
Hip fractures and dislocations may occur due to:
- Falls, particularly in older adults
- Osteoporosis or reduced bone strength
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Sporting injuries involving high force or impact
- Direct trauma to the hip
- Underlying medical conditions affecting balance or bone health
The mechanism of injury often helps guide diagnosis and management.
Symptoms of Hip Fracture or Dislocation
Symptoms may vary depending on the injury but commonly include:
- Sudden, severe hip or groin pain
- Inability to stand or walk
- Shortening or abnormal rotation of the leg
- Swelling or bruising around the hip
- Numbness or weakness in the leg in some cases
Hip dislocation may also cause visible deformity and intense pain with any attempted movement.
How Hip Fractures and Dislocations are Diagnosed
Diagnosis begins with urgent clinical assessment, often in an emergency setting.
Investigations typically include:
- X-rays to identify fractures or dislocation
- CT scans to assess fracture pattern or joint alignment
- MRI in selected cases to evaluate soft tissue injury or occult fractures
Early and accurate diagnosis is important to guide treatment and reduce the risk of complications.
Treatment Options For Hip Fracture And Hip Dislocation
Treatment depends on the type and severity of injury, overall health, and functional needs
Non-Surgical Management
Non-surgical treatment may be considered in limited cases, such as:
- Stable fractures in patients where surgery is not appropriate
- Selected dislocations after successful joint reduction
This approach typically involves pain management, mobility support, and close monitoring.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery is commonly recommended for most hip fractures and many hip dislocations. Surgical options may include:
- Internal fixation using plates, screws, or rods
- Hip replacement surgery in selected fracture types
- Surgical reduction and stabilisation of the hip joint following dislocation
The choice of procedure is based on fracture type, joint stability, age, bone quality, and activity level.
Recovery and Rehabilitation following Hip Fracture or Dislocation
Recovery following a hip fracture or dislocation varies between individuals and depends on the injury and treatment approach.
Rehabilitation may include:
- Early mobilisation where appropriate
- Physiotherapy to restore strength and movement
- Pain management and gradual return to daily activities
- Ongoing monitoring for complications
During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss expected recovery timelines and rehabilitation options based on your specific injury.
Following a hip fracture or dislocation, ongoing care may focus on:
- Reducing the risk of future falls or injury
- Addressing bone health where relevant
- Improving strength, balance, and mobility
Early assessment and tailored management may support safer recovery and long-term hip function.
