How to Pop a Hip Joint Back Into Place
A dislocated bone occurs when it is popped out of the joint that is supposed to contain it, leading to extreme pain and a loss of function in the injured appendage. A dislocated hip is a particularly troubling dislocation, as it can be difficult to immobilize, whereas a shoulder can be secured in a sling, and renders the injured unable to be moved without risk of further injury. A medical professional is required to set the hip, but there are still precautions to take as soon as a dislocated hip occurs.
Instructions
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Call for emergency assistance immediately. If you do not have a cell phone or land line available, send somebody present to get help as quickly as possible. Hip displacement is extremely painful, and improper setting can lead to further pain and more damage to the joint and muscle around the joint.
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2
Check the injured individual for signs of other injury. This is particularly important in the event of a crash where it is very likely that the individual has suffered further injury beyond the dislocated hip. Look for bleeding and signs of broken bones. Bruising or swelling are indicators of additional injuries.
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3
Care for the other injuries as best as you can without aggravating the hip injury further by moving the hip or forcing the injured individual to put weight on it. If you have an emergency first aid pack, apply anti-bacterial cream to any open wounds.
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4
Immobilize the injured individual, particularly the injured hip. Unless there are no other options and the injured individual must not be moved, you should not attempt to relocate an individual with a dislocated hip as it may make the injury worse.
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Check for circulation below the injured hip to ensure blood is flowing to the injured area. Check for a pulse on the femoral artery or press down on the skin and look for the skin to be paler after you remove your fingers for a brief period of time, before the skin ultimately returns to its correct shade.
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If possible without causing further pain to the injured individual, have him lie back while you raise the non-injured leg a few inches above his body. This will help stimulate the flow of blood to the individual's vital organs, helping to prevent shock.
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