The hip is a complex, weight-bearing joint that can sustain significant damage during a collision. These are some of the most common hip injuries that are caused by car crashes:
Fractures: The force from an accident can break one or more of the three sections of your hip bone: the ilium, pubis and ischium. A break in the hip can cause severe instability, as a fully intact hip bone helps you maintain balance and strength while running or walking. If you suspect a hip fracture you need immediate medical attention. Car accidents can also cause acetabular fractures, which refer to a break on the outer rim of the hip socket.
Hip Dislocation: This occurs when the ball of your femur pops out of the socket, causing severe pain and immobility. One of the most dangerous side effects of hip dislocation is avascular necrosis, otherwise known as dead bone tissue. This occurs when blood flow to the bone tissue gets cut off.
Hip Labral Tear: The labrum is a type of soft tissue on the socket of the hip. Some Savannah car crashes tear the labrum in the hip. Labral tears can severely limit mobility, as an intact labrum helps ensure smooth movement of your thigh bone in the hip joint.
Bursitis: This refers to an inflamed bursa, a fluid-filled sac that cushions your hip joint. Many crash victims who feel hip pain have bursitis, and they may have other hip injuries as well.
Tendonitis: This is damage to tendons and ligaments supporting the muscles and bones in the hip. Crash victims should seek treatment for this inflammation as soon as possible, as it can get worse the longer it goes untreated.
Hip Ligament Sprains or Strains: This happens when the ligaments are overstretched or torn, resulting in pain and instability. Soft tissues are vital for stability in the joints.