Hip & Knee Dislocations: NEET PG High-Yield
Orthopedic Trauma: Emergency Assessment
1. Hip Dislocation
| Type | Clinical Presentation |
|---|---|
| Posterior (90%) | Flexed, adducted, and internally rotated. Sciatic nerve at risk. |
| Anterior | Flexed, abducted, and externally rotated. Femoral nerve/vessels at risk. |
2. Knee Dislocation
- Emergency Priority: It is a limb-threatening injury. Rule out popliteal artery injury immediately.
- Classification: Based on the direction of the tibia relative to the femur (Anterior is most common).
- Examination: Check the distal pulses (Doppler if weak) and the Common Peroneal Nerve (most commonly injured nerve).
- Management: Immediate closed reduction and stabilization (external fixator). Vascular consultation is mandatory if pulses are abnormal or asymmetric.
3. High-Yield NEET PG Pearls
- Hip Reduction: Must be performed within 6 hours to minimize the risk of Avascular Necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head.
- “Dashboard Injury”: Classic mechanism for posterior hip dislocation.
- Knee Dislocation Complication: Popliteal artery injury is the most critical complication; if suspected, perform an emergency CT angiography.
- Multiligament Injury: Knee dislocation almost always involves at least two major ligaments (ACL and PCL).