Hip Joint Case Study

Introduction

The hip joint, also known as the coxofemoral joint, is made up of the lateral head of the femur, and the acetabulum, which is located in the pelvic girdle. This synovial joint can be described as a multiaxial ball and socket joint which allows it to make a range of movements, thus making it one of the most moveable joints in the body (Moore et al., 2014). The joint works in conjunction with both the ligaments and muscle which contribute to the joints stability. (Anderson and Blake.,1994). The strain that is created when standing, walking or part taking in physical activity on the hip joint directly effects its physical make up.

Stability

The design of the hip joint and its connection to the pelvic gridle are specifically designed

car crashes. Dislocation of the hip joint can be further classified to whether they are anteriorly dislocated or posteriorly dislocated (Gammons., 2014). Posterior hip dislocation is a far more common injury, with only 5-18% of cases being anterior (Sorrentino., 2017). Posterior dislocation occurs when a strong force pushes the femoral head into the socket, in turn rupturing the acetabulum. This rupture causes the lower limb to shorten and laterally rotate. This is due to the femoral head being able to move on to the ilium’s posterior surface (Moore et al., 2014) Anterior hip dislocation occurs in the conflicting direction of Posterior hip dislocations, hence why this injury is far less common. This type of dislocation like the other occurs during high trauma accidents where a large amount of force causes the head of femur to tear the capsule but this time coming to the anterior surface of the body. When anterior hip dislocation occurs, the injury can be subclassified into superior and inferior injuries. When the hip is superiorly dislocated the hip is extended and externally rotated causing the femoral head to move out the socket, this can cause injury to the femoral vein and artery as well as the nerve (Wheeless.,2012). When the hip simultaneously flexes, externally rotates and abducts the joint inferiorly dislocates. This is more likely to cause fractures in the femoral head and the shaft of the femur (Wheeless., 2012). Due to the circumstances in which the lower limb must be in to dislocate, it explains why the injury is