Hip Joint Injuries and Physiotherapy Mississauga

What is a Hip joint?

The Hip joint is a ball and socket joint like the shoulder joint the articulation of this joint is between the pelvic acetabulum and the head of the femur and is held by very strong ligaments.  The acetabulum is a hollow-like hole on the infero-lateral aspect of the pelvis this is where the head of the femur fits into.  This joint connection is covered by cartilage which allows for weight bearing. 

Ligaments

     There is one intracapsular ligament and that is the one which runs from the acetabular fossa to the fovea of the femur.

     The extracapsular ligaments include the Iliofemoral ligament which starts at the Anterior Inferior Iliac Spine and splits in two and inserts at the intertrochanteric line of the femur.  This prevents hyperextension of the hip and is one of the strongest ligaments in the entire body.  Another ligament is the Pubofemoral ligament which originates at the superior pubic rami and connects to the intertrochanteric line of the femur it reinforces the joint anteriorly and inferiorly.  It prevents hip abduction and extension in the event that it becomes excessive.  The last of the extracapsular ligaments is the Ishiofemoral ligament which spans at the ischium and connects to the greater trochanter of the femur and reinforces the hip joint posteriorly.  This joint prevents hyperextension and assists in holding the head of the femur in the acetabulum. 

What is the function of the Hip Joint?

The main function of the hip joint is to weight bear and there are numerous factors that stabilize this joint.  The first stabilizer is the acetabulum it is a deep capsule that encapsulates the head of the femur, since it has that function the probability of dislocating the femur is very low.  Around the acetabulum is known as the acetabular labrum or lip that increases the depth of the acetabulum increasing stability of the hip.  The extracapsular ligaments noted above all stabilize and thicken the joint articulation making it the strongest joint in the body. 

Movements and Muscles of the Hip Joint

     Flexion – Iliopsoas, Rectus femoris, Sartorius and Pectineus

     Extension – Glut Max, Hamstrings (Semimembranosus, Semitendinosus and Biceps Femoris)

     Abduction – Glute Medius and Minimus, Tensor Fascia latae and Piriformis

     Adduction – Adductor Longus, brevis, magnus, pectineus and gracilis

     Lateral Rotation – Bicep Femoris, Glute Max, Piriformis, and other muscles

     Medial Rotation – Anterior Fibers of Glute Medius and Minimus and the Tensor Fascia Latae

Types of Hip Injuries

      Hip Dislocation – More common to dislocate in the posterior direction when the femur gets pushed backwards out of its socket.  The lower leg is in a fixed position with the knee and foot internally rotated.  When the hip is dislocated all tissues, muscles, and nerves as well as the acetabular labrum around the joints become damaged or injured. 

      – Causes: of a hip dislocation stems from a motor vehicle accident when the knee hits the dashboard, and the head of the femur drives out of the hip socket.  A fall from a significantly high height can also dislocate the hip.  Another cause can be possible fractures in the pelvis, legs, knee, or back. 

– Complications: Nerve injuries are possible because it can stretch nerves more particular the sciatic nerve.  An injury to the sciatic nerve causes a sharp, shooting pain that radiates all the way down the leg and affects the knee, ankle, and foot. Osteonecrosis can happen because when the femur is pushed out it can damage blood vessels.  When there is no blood supply to a tissue or a bone it can die resulting in avascular necrosis.  It can lead to the degeneration of the hip and arthritis can set in. 

     Physiotherapy Treatment at Curezone Physiotherapy Mississauga: After the reduction the surgeon will ask for x rays to make sure the bones are in the proper place.    

• Recovery: Can take up to 2-3 months rehabilitation can take a little while longer especially in the case that there are damaged muscles and fractured bones.
• Gait re-education: Initially with mobility assistive devices (walking frame/crutches) to limit weight bearing, and progression thereof
• Improve hip range of motion: Especially extension in children after the use of a brace/splint/harness that kept the hip in flexion
• Strengthening of muscles around the hip, with special focus on hip stabilizers
• Stretching
• Joint mobilization
• Regular, low- or non-impact exercise such as swimming, aquatic therapy or cycling train strength and range of motion.

     Hip Pointer – This is a deep bruise to the upper bone on the outside or your hip called the iliac crest it is caused by a direct blow or a fall.  It is common in those who play contact sports like football and hockey. 

     – Symptoms: Swelling, bruising, severe pain or tender to touch, limited ROM and feeling of weakness in the muscles. 

     – Diagnosis: It can be seen on the hip but to make sure there is no other serious injury doctors will perform an x-ray, MRI, or ultrasound. 

     – Treatment: Rest, Ice, Compression helps and if continuing to play sports a protective pad over the injured area is ideal.  In some cases, it can be very serious where crutches are needed.  Rehabilitation consists of strengthening the muscles and joint through a series of exercises and stretches around the hip. 

     Piriformis Syndrome – Prolonged sitting or overuse, a sudden increase in physical activity, direct buttock trauma that can cause a hemorrhage or a spasm and can lead to increased pressure on the sciatic nerve.  This muscle is deep to and in between glute medius and glute maximus.

     – Signs and Symptoms: Numbness and tingling in the buttocks and the thigh posteriorly, tender upon palpation, if actively resisting external rotation feel pain and if completing passive internal rotation feelings of tingling appear. 

     – Treatment: Decrease muscle spasm, stretch the piriformis to relieve stress and correct pelvic mechanisms. 

Strengthening the Hip Joint

Stretches

1. Scissors (Lying on back with knees bent and feet off the floor straighten one leg and hold then bring it back then repeat on other leg for a total of 8-12 times)
2. Hip Flexor Kneeling Stretch (Kneel and move body forward)
3. Figure 4 Stretch for Piriformis
4. Hip Flexor Stretch (Lying on back bring a knee to the chest and hold repeat with other leg)
5. Butterfly Stretch
6. Pigeon Stretch

Exercises

1. Clamshell Exercises (Use any type of resistance band)
2. Monster Walks (Any type of resistance band)
3. Single Leg Romanian Deadlifts
4. Lateral Step Up with Knee raise (Can hold a weight in front of body)
5. Fire Hydrants (Use of any resistance bands)

Make sure you book your appointment today and get assessed by our physiotherapist now.