This week’s NFL injury spotlight is Mohamed Ibrahim with right dislocated hip.
In Week 7, the Detroit Lion’s running back, Mohamed Ibrahim, dislocated his right hip after a tough hit in the 3rd quarter of their game against the Ravens.
Now let’s talk about the hip! The hip joint (aka femoroacetabular joint) is where your pelvic bone connects to your thigh bone (femur). The joint is a ball and socket joint allowing for the hip to perform flexion, extension, adduction, abduction, internal rotation and external rotation. The hip is HUGE for overall stability with all leg functions. Having an injury to the hip can cause difficulties and increased pain with activities such as:
⁃ Standing
⁃ Walking
⁃ Running
⁃ Stair navigation
⁃ Sitting to standing
⁃ Sleeping
⁃ Sitting
Important muscles that cross the hip joint are the quadriceps, gluteals, hamstrings, iliopsoas, and the adductors.
So what happens when the hip dislocates? The head (ball) of the femur is separated from the acetabulum (socket) of the pelvis. It is considered a medical emergency and can require medical intervention under anesthesia to pop femur back into place, which is what Ibrahim experienced.
A dislocated hip can cause:
⁃ nerve damage
⁃ avascular necrosis to the hip
⁃ pain and swelling
⁃ bruising
⁃ loss of feeling &/or reflexes
⁃ Inability to bear weight on leg
How can PT help with this? Well complete healing can take up to 3-6 months depending on the severity of injury. PT can help with:
⁃ gait re-education and motor planning during functional activities
⁃ Improve hip mobility in all directions
⁃ Stabilization and strengthening of hip muscles to help prevent re-dislocation of hip
Published October 26, 2023 | Posted in NFL Injury Spotlight.
