(3) When the top of the femur is fractured, the affected leg is rotated toward
the midline of the body. The affected leg is usually shorter than the uninjured leg.
There may be an open wound associated with the injury.
c. Impaired Sensation. The affected extremity may have tingling or other
abnormal sensations (paresthesia) or the casualty may have a loss of sensation in the
limb.
d. Impaired Circulation. Impaired circulation may result in coolness and/or
cyanosis (bluish tint) of the affected limb. In some cases, the pulse distal to the injury
may be lost due to pressure against the artery.
e. Blood Loss. Hip injuries usually result in significant blood loss, especially if a
fracture is present. If there is no open wound, the internal bleeding will result in
swelling. Significant internal bleeding may occur before the swelling is evident. The
blood loss can result in hypovolemic shock.
4-2.
IMMOBILIZE A FRACTURED OR DISLOCATED HIP (SPINE BOARD)
A casualty with signs and symptoms of a fractured or dislocated hip should be
immobilized using a long spine board. If a long spine board is not available, use a door,
wide plank, or other firm surface to immobilize the injured extremity and pelvis. Use the
log roll technique given in paragraph 2-6 to place the casualty on the spine board.
Some special considerations for performing the log roll and immobilizing the casualty
when he has a hip injury are given on the following page.
a. If the casualty is lying on his abdomen, turn him onto his back using the
procedures given in paragraph 2-11. Position the assistants next to the casualty's
uninjured side and have them secure holds on the injured side. In this way, the casualty
will be rolled on his uninjured side, not his injured side.
b. When preparing to place the long spine board beneath the casualty, have the
assistants kneel next to the casualty's uninjured side and have the spine board
positioned on the casualty's injured side. Roll the casualty on his uninjured side, not on
his injured side, and slip the board beneath the casualty. Position the casualty on the
board.
c. Apply additional padding to the casualty to immobilize the hip and leg in a
comfortable position. Secure padding materials in place.
(1) If the hip is dislocated, apply pillows, blankets, or other material to
support the leg in its abnormal position.
MD0533
4-5