Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 11-14. Posterior and anterior hip dislocations
Figure 11-15. Technique for reducing a hip dislocation
The technique for reduction is the same for anterior and posterior dislocations. Two at-
tendants are required. One holds the injured person flat on the ground with hands on both
sides of the pelvis. The other straddles the injured leg and gently flexes the knee and hip to
ninety degrees. After bending the knees and locking the hands behind the injured person's
knee, the second attendant can apply strong upward traction by simply straightening the
legs. The weight of the injured individual and the first attendant provide countertraction.
Rotating the hip bymoving the lower leg gently from side to side may help with reduction.
After reduction, the injured extremity must be splinted to the opposite leg. Gentle trac-
tion is beneficial if available; the person should be transported in a supine position.
Knee
Knee dislocations are major, sometimes disastrous injuries that result from forceful im-
pactwiththekneebent,mostcommonlyinautomobileaccidents.Inmostinstances,thelig-
aments and tendons around the knee are so extensively torn that dislocated knees pop back
into position spontaneously. The nature of the injury can be recognized by the pain and in-
stabilityoftheknee.Ifthekneeremainsdislocated,reductioncanusuallybeachievedquite
readily with traction on the lower leg. Pulses and sensation in the foot must be checked.
Injury to the large vessels behind the knee occurs frequently. Such damage is suggested by
painful swelling behind the knee developing immediately or hours after correction of the
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