A posterior hip dislocation typically presents with which limb position?

A posterior hip dislocation typically presents with which limb position?

• A. Shortened, externally rotated, abducted
• B. Shortened, internally rotated, adducted
• C. Lengthened, external rotation
• D. No deformity

Answer: (B)

Posterior hip dislocation presents with a limb that is shortened and held in internal rotation with adduction. This happens because the femoral head is driven backward out of the acetabulum, often in a flexed hip during a high-energy injury such as a dashboard impact. The backward position pulls the thigh toward the midline and rotates the femur inward, leading to a shortened appearance. That contrasts with anterior dislocations, which typically show the leg in abduction and external rotation and may not appear shortened. The option describing shortening with internal rotation and adduction best fits the posterior dislocation pattern. Remember, this is an orthopedic emergency requiring prompt imaging and reduction.

Posterior hip dislocation presents with a limb that is shortened and held in internal rotation with adduction. This happens because the femoral head is driven backward out of the acetabulum, often in a flexed hip during a high-energy injury such as a dashboard impact. The backward position pulls the thigh toward the midline and rotates the femur inward, leading to a shortened appearance.

That contrasts with anterior dislocations, which typically show the leg in abduction and external rotation and may not appear shortened. The option describing shortening with internal rotation and adduction best fits the posterior dislocation pattern. Remember, this is an orthopedic emergency requiring prompt imaging and reduction.