Hip Injuries, Age 11 and Younger

Emergencies

Yes	Does your child have any of the following symptoms that require emergency treatment? Call 911 or other emergency services immediately.

• After an acute (sudden) injury:
  • Pieces of bone are visible in a wound, or a bone is sticking through the skin.
  • Severe pain occurs.
  • A lot of swelling began within 30 minutes of the injury.
  • A leg looks twisted or out of its normal position.
  • A new large bump is present at the site of a suspected fracture or dislocation.
  • Numbness or tingling is present in the buttocks, genital area, or one or both legs.
  • A hip or leg has turned pale, white, blue, or cold.
  • A child is not able to bend, straighten, or move your leg normally.
  • A child is not able to stand or walk or bear weight.

Note: A child with a severe hip injury needs to be transported on a special board to prevent movement (immobilization board). A special type of splint (traction splint) may also be needed. Do not move the child unless there is an immediate threat to his or her life, such as a fire. If the child is in immediate danger, keep his or her head, neck, back, and pelvis supported and in a straight line while you move the child to safety.

Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your child's hip symptoms.

If your child has any of the following symptoms, evaluate those symptoms first.

• Hip problem without an injury: Go to the topic Hip Problems, Age 11 and Younger.
• Bleeding: Go to the topic Cuts or Puncture Wounds.

Yes	Does your child have hip pain or tenderness after an injury?
Yes	Is your child limping or unable or unwilling to put weight on one leg?
Yes	Is your child unable to normally bend, straighten, or move a leg?
Yes	Does your child have signs of inflammation or infection in the hip?
Yes	Do you think your child's hip problem may have been caused by abuse?
Yes	Does your child have pale, white, blue, or cold skin after a brace, cast, or splint was put on?

Other Symptoms to Watch For

Does your child have any of the following symptoms?

• Groin pain: Go to the topic Groin Problems and Injuries.
• Tailbone or low back injury: Go to the topic Back Problems and Injuries.
• Unexplained leg pain or swelling: Go to the topic Leg Problems, Noninjury.
• A leg injury: Go to the topic Leg Injuries.
• Limping after a toe, foot, or ankle injury: Go to the topic Toe, Foot, and Ankle Injuries.
• Limping after a knee injury: Go to the topic Knee Problems and Injuries.
• A burn, scrape, bite, or bruise: Go to the topic:
  • Burns.
  • Scrapes.
  • Animal and Human Bites.
  • Puncture Wounds.
  • Bruises and Blood Spots Under the Skin.

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: October 27, 2006
Medical Review:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics
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