What is the position of lower limb in anterior dislocation of hip?: (A) Flexion adduction and internal rotation, (B) Flexion adduction and external rotation, (C) Flexion abduction and internal rotation, (D) Flexion abduction and external rotation
Answer is D. Ans: D (In anterior dislocation the leg lies externally rotated, abducted and slightly flexed) Ref: Apley's System of Orthopaedies and Fractures 9th edition, p H46.Explanation:It is not short, because the attachment of rectus femoris prevents the head from displacing upwards.Occasionally the leg is abducted almost to a right angle.Anterior dislocation is rare compared with posterior.Dislocation of one or even both hips may occur when a weight falls onto the back of a miner or building labourer who is working with his legs wide apart, knees straight and back bent forwards.The femoral head will then lie superiorly (type I - pubic) or inferiorly (type II - obturator).Nine out of ten hip dislocations are posterior.The affected limb will be shortened and internally rotated in posterior dislocationIn an anterior dislocation the limb will not be lengthened . but will be externally rotated, abducted and slightly flexed