As the most load-bearing joints in the body, hips are critical joints for mobility. When damaged in a California car crash, the injury can cause long-term issues and affect your quality of life. You could have difficulty moving without the help of an assistive device and experience pain when twisting.
According to AICA, a variety of hip injuries can result from a car accident. Depending on the severity and type of damage, it may require surgery, hip replacement, pain management and physical therapy. You may never regain the mobility you had before the accident.
Dislocation
The thighbone typically rests in the hip socket. A traumatic dislocation injury, such as one incurred due to high impact, can cause debilitating pain. If not attended to correctly, it can lead to long-term mobility problems. Sometimes a fracture or damage to the soft tissues or nerves occurs due to the dislocation, which might require additional treatment and therapy.
Labral tear
This involves damage to the ring of cartilage that cushions the hip joint. It acts as a seal to help keep your thighbone in its socket. The severity of the symptoms often determines the most appropriate treatment options. Unlike soft tissue, cartilage doesn’t repair itself. In some cases, arthroscopic surgery can repair or remove the torn portion.
Stress fracture
After a hip stress fracture, the bones may stay in alignment, but if left untreated, they can displace. This might result in the bone continuing to weaken. It could also cut the blood supply off, leading to bone death or the development of osteonecrosis. Pain medications and keeping off the leg until it heals completely can often help.
Serious hip injuries can result in pain from the groin through the hips and back. If the damage is the consequence of a car accident, you may have grounds for a claim. It might help you pay for hospital expenses, lost income and costly physical therapy.