What is the typical leg position after an anterior hip dislocation?

What is the typical leg position after an anterior hip dislocation?

• A. Flexion, abduction, external rotation
• B. Flexion, adduction, internal rotation
• C. Flexion, abduction, external rotation
• D. Extension, adduction, external rotation

Answer: (C)

An anterior hip dislocation typically causes the leg to be in flexion, abduction, and external rotation. This posture arises because the femoral head has moved anteriorly from the acetabulum, and the surrounding muscles pull the limb into a flexed position with the thigh spread outward (abduction) and rotated outward (external rotation). In contrast, a posterior hip dislocation usually presents with flexion, adduction, and internal rotation, reflecting posterior displacement of the head. A variation called superior (pubic) anterior dislocation can show extension, but the common pattern asked about is flexion, abduction, and external rotation.

An anterior hip dislocation typically causes the leg to be in flexion, abduction, and external rotation. This posture arises because the femoral head has moved anteriorly from the acetabulum, and the surrounding muscles pull the limb into a flexed position with the thigh spread outward (abduction) and rotated outward (external rotation). In contrast, a posterior hip dislocation usually presents with flexion, adduction, and internal rotation, reflecting posterior displacement of the head. A variation called superior (pubic) anterior dislocation can show extension, but the common pattern asked about is flexion, abduction, and external rotation.