LESSON 4
4-1.
IDENTIFY SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF A FRACTURED OR DISLOCATED
HIP
The head of the femur (figure 4-1) and the hip form a "ball and socket" type joint.
When the head of the femur is pulled away from the hip, a dislocation exists. When the
neck or upper end of the femur is fractured, it is commonly called a "fractured hip" even
though none of the pelvic bones is actually fractured. A dislocated hip and a fractured
hip (upper femur) are very similar. Some of the signs and symptoms associated with
these injuries are given below.
a. Pain. Both injuries are accompanied by considerable pain. The casualty will
resist moving because of the pain.
Figure 4-1. Femur.
MD0533
4-2