Hip subluxation

Overview

Partial dislocation of the hip - the ball of the hip joint is only partially in the socket.

Symptoms

• Partial hip dislocation 
• Hip pain 
• Waddling walk 
• Limp 
• Toe-walking 
• Unequal leg lengths

Causes

Experts are uncertain about the causes of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH). Dislocation is 10 times more common after breech delivery (malpositioning in utero) than after cephalic delivery, and it’s also more common among large neonates and twins. Females are affected more often than males. Genetic factors may also play a role. Although DDH is found throughout the world, incidence is particularly high among Native Americans.

Diagnosis

A CBC, sedimentation rate, chemistry panel, arthritis panel, tuberculin test, and x-rays of the lumbosacral spine and hip will diagnose 90% of the cases. These are relatively expensive in comparison to MRI. A bone scan may be necessary to diagnose occult fractures. A serum protein electrophoresis will help diagnose multiple myeloma. A trigger point injection of the greater trochanter bursa or ischiogluteal bursa will assist in the diagnosis of these conditions. An orthopedic surgeon should be consulted before ordering MRI of the lumbar spine or hip. However, MRI is especially important if the diagnosis of avascular necrosis is suspected.