What is the typical leg position after a posterior hip dislocation?

What is the typical leg position after a posterior hip dislocation?

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

Answer: (C)

Dislocation direction at the hip dictates the final limb posture. In a posterior hip dislocation, the femoral head is driven backward out of the socket, and the leg tends to lie flexed at the hip, closer to the midline (adduction), with the thigh rotated inward (internal rotation). This position is often accompanied by apparent shortening of the leg. In contrast, an anterior dislocation typically presents with the leg extended, abducted, and externally rotated.

Dislocation direction at the hip dictates the final limb posture. In a posterior hip dislocation, the femoral head is driven backward out of the socket, and the leg tends to lie flexed at the hip, closer to the midline (adduction), with the thigh rotated inward (internal rotation). This position is often accompanied by apparent shortening of the leg. In contrast, an anterior dislocation typically presents with the leg extended, abducted, and externally rotated.