Date of Award

5-2020

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Department

Physical Therapy

First Advisor

Schawnn Decker

Keywords

Traumatic hip dislocation, Adolescent

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Traumatic hip dislocations occur when the head of the femur is forced out of the acetabulum causing disruption to the musculature, vasculature, and other tissue surrounding the hip joint. Although dislocations are not the most prevalent injury to the hip, they are a severe injury and require immediate medical attention, as well as rehabilitation post reduction. There is a lack of literature regarding physical therapy treatment of traumatic hip dislocations, especially in the adolescent population. The purpose of this case study is to describe the athletic youth population most affected by traumatic hip dislocations and to offer information for examination, evaluation, and intervention processes for traumatic hip dislocations for adolescents.

Case Description: This article describes the six-week outpatient physical therapy management of a 17-year-old male who was referred to the physical therapy for evaluation and treatment of a right hip dislocation. The patient presented with signs and symptoms of right hip tightness, pain, and weakness following a traumatic hip dislocation. Intervention. Rationale for treatment was based on textbook information of hip conditions as well as a review of the literature on hip dislocations. Treatment was altered based on the patient's presenting symptoms (i.e. pain, decreased ROM, decreased strength) and modified based on the patient's response.

Outcomes: Following physical therapy intervention, patient achieved hip range of motion within functional limits, good to normal strength, and increased overall function. Pain had been eliminated in the patient's right hip allowing him to squat, jump, land, and change directions.

Discussion: Potential limitations of this case report is the lack of research available on this topic. The patient had success in physical therapy rehabilitation due to his high motivation to return to sport. This was also a limiting factor in that he partook in vigorous activity before the recommended time frame. The positive outcome for our patient does not decline the possibility that the patient might be at risk for complications in the future.

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