Hip Injuries, Age 12 and Older

Emergencies

Yes	Do you have any of the following symptoms that require emergency treatment? Call 911 or other emergency services immediately.

• After an acute (sudden) injury:
  • Pieces of bone are visible in a wound or a bone is sticking through the skin.
  • A leg looks twisted or out of its normal position.
  • You are not able to stand or walk or bear weight on the affected leg.
  • A hip or leg has turned pale, white, blue, or cold.
  • Severe pain occurs with:
    • Any movement.
    • A lot of swelling within 30 minutes of the injury.
    • A new large bump at the site of a suspected fracture or dislocation.
    • Numbness in the buttocks, genital area, or one or both legs.

Note: A person with a severe hip injury needs to be transported on a special board to prevent movement (immobilization board). A special type of splint (traction splint) may be needed. Do not move the person unless there is an immediate threat to his or her life, such as a fire. If the person is in immediate danger, keep his or her head, neck, back, and pelvis supported and in a straight line while you move the person to safety.

Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

If you have any of the following symptoms, evaluate those symptoms first.

• Hip problem without an injury: Go to the topic Hip Problems, Age 12 and Older.
• Bleeding: Go to the topic Cuts or Puncture Wounds.

Yes	Do you have hip pain or tenderness after an injury?
Yes	Do you have hip pain with numbness or tingling in the hip, groin, or leg?
Yes	Did you feel or hear a snap, pop, or grating in your hip?
Yes	Do you think a hip injury may have been caused by abuse?
Yes	Do you have pale, white, blue, or cold skin after a hip injury?
Yes	Does your hip feel loose or unstable after hip surgery or hip replacement?

Other Symptoms to Watch For

Do you have any of the following symptoms?

• Groin problem or injury: Go to the topic Groin Problems and Injuries.
• Tailbone or low back injury: Go to the topic Back Problems and Injuries.
• Unexplained leg pain or swelling: Go to the topic Leg Problems, Noninjury.
• Leg injury: Go to the topic Leg Injuries.
• Limping after a toe, foot, or ankle injury: Go to the topic Toe, Foot, and Ankle Injuries.
• Limping after a knee injury: Go to the topic Knee Problems and Injuries.
• Burn, scrape, bite, or bruise: Go to the topic:
  • Burns.
  • Scrapes.
  • Animal and Human Bites.
  • Puncture Wounds.
  • Bruises and Blood Spots Under the Skin.

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: October 27, 2006
Medical Review:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
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