 Hip, Pelvic Bone, Tailbone
Traumatic injuries to the hips and pelvic region, suffered in a car accident have serious repercussions. Our hips and pelvis comprise the lower portion of the body’s “core”. The hip is the part of the body between the femur and the pelvis. The hip joint is an extremely strong ball and socket joint that connects the femur and the acetabulum of the pelvis. The primary function of the hip is to support the weight of the body during standing and walking or running activities. In a normal, healthy human body, the center of gravity passes through the joints of the pelvis, hips, knees and feet. Thus a debilitating injury to either the pelvis or hips will have a profound effect on the stability and function of the entire body as a whole.
accidents result in dislocated joints
As with any ball and socket joint, one of the more common traumatic hip injuries suffered in a car accident, is dislocation of the joint. Any time the top of the femur is forced out of its normal position in the hip socket, a dislocation occurs. Due to the strength of the hip joint, these serious injuries are usually experienced as a result of significant trauma or trauma following degenerative weakening of the joint. “Dashboard dislocation” is a common hip injury experienced by victims of head-on collisions and is caused when the knee is forced into the dashboard which in turn, transfers the energy of the impact directly to the hip socket joint, forcing the femur out of the hip socket.
Other types of hip dislocations are not unusual in serious, traumatic motor vehicle collisions with Bilateral asymmetrical hip dislocation is considered the most serious. Dislocations can vary in degrees of severity but regardless of the severity the muscles and ligaments in and around that joint are consequently stretched past their normal ranges. Even a minor dislocation will result in months of rehabilitation to strengthen and tighten up those muscles and ligaments. At times, bone fragments, cartilage or capsular tissue can become lodged between the femoral head and the acetabulum in dislocations where the joint has returned to its natural position. Anytime a joint has been dislocated, an increased risk of arthritis will also result.
Symptoms of traumatic hip dislocations include: abnormal positioning of the legs, abnormal leg length following a collision and severe pain in that region that increases with movement of the legs. Any type of hip dislocation requires medical treatment as soon as possible. Studies have shown that the risk of permanent damage increases significantly if the hip socket is not returned to its normal position within 6 hours following the injury.
See also:
Physical Therapy
-VS-
Chiropractic Treatment
Physical Therapy - Defined
Iowa Attorneys
At GRL Law, the attorneys Gourley, Rehkemper & Lindholm have helped many people recover financially after an accident. We may be just the help you need when you need it most of all. If you or someone you care about has been in an accident, and you want to speak with an attorney who will listen to you, understand your frustrations, and care enough to take the time to explain the law so that you can understand your legal position completely, please call GRL Law - (512) 226-0500 or 1-877-475-5297 (toll free).
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