Hip Injuries, Age 12 And Older: Emergencies
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Emergencies
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 and tingling 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.
| Last updated: | September 20, 2008 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS |
| Reviewed By: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer |
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