The hip, pelvis, and thigh contain some of the strongest muscles in the body

This area is also subjected to tremendous demands

Injuries to this area can sideline a player for long periods of time

Most injuries to this area are strains and contusions

Hip joint (ball-and-socket joint) is the POC between the femur and the pelvis

Acetabulum-hip socket. Head of femur fits here

Femur (longest bone in the body) is connected to the pelvis by thick, strong ligaments 2 muscle groups of the femur are the

quads and hamstrings

Since the hip is very stable, ATCs will not see a lot of sprains or dislocations

ATCs will see a lot of muscular strains Proper flexibility training and stretching

will help prevent injuries in this area Also wearing proper padding (ex.

Football) and strengthening the core region of the body will help prevent injuries

Extremely stable joint Very thick ligamentous structures and

strong muscles surround the hip This results in very few ligament

injuries

Thigh strains are very common, especially to the hip flexor, extensor, and groin muscles.

Theories as to why this occurs: Many muscles in the leg cross 2 joints

Ex. Hamstrings cross the back of the hip joint (extension) and the knee joint (flexion)

Strength imbalance occurs Stronger muscle group put excessive tension

on the opposing muscle group

Strains should be treated with PRICE and wrapped with supportive elastic bandage

Moderate and severe strains may need to be referred to a physician

Rehab will focus on regaining strength and range of motion and enhancing flexibility

Pelvic fractures are not common but can occur if excessive stress is placed on the bone tissue

Athletic-related fractures of this area often occur as a result of an avulsion, disruption of the epiphysis, stress, or trauma to femur

Avulsions (tendon pulling away the bone) Occur as a result of forceful muscle

contractions that literally pull the bone away at the site where the tendon attaches

Ex. Football player continues to run aggressively forward while a defender is holding his leg

**hip flexor may forcefully contract, causing a fracture

Growth plate fractures Occur at the growth plate of the bone (the neck of

the femur joins the head) Most commonly occurs between the ages of 10

and 15 Head of femur slips off the neck Causes pain in the groin, hip, and knee ATC would refer athlete to a physician b/c the

treatment involves stopping the slippage and helping to close the growth plate through surgery

Stress Fractures Uncommon but do occur in running-oriented athletes Caused by repetitive stress, typically from the force of

pounding of the lower extremity while running Pounding can cause the femur to bend slightly (one

side is compressed while the other is stretched) If this pounding continues, small hairline fractures can

develop Rest and an alternative activity are the treatment and

rehab for this problem

Femur Fractures Stress required to fracture the femur is very

extreme (due to the size of the bone) Characterized by severe pain and loss of function,

as well as internal bleeding, swelling, or tearing of muscles, tendons, nerves, and arteries

Often causes the leg to externally rotate Initial treatment-immobilization and

transportation to hospital by EMS Often use a traction splint that gently pulls the

femur (helps reduce leg pain and spasm)

Hip Dislocations Caused by extreme stress Most occur posteriorly Severe damage can occur because of the nerve

and vascular structures Athlete will be in extreme pain and leg will often

be internally rotated EMS called immediately for transportation to

hospital Rehab begins with establishing normal range of

motion and strength Learning how to walk normally will be necessary Long recovery process

Hip and Thigh Muscle Contusions Deep thigh contusions are common, especially in

contact sports The more severe contusions can actually cause

tissue tearing and extensive bleeding Myositis ossificans can occur if serious contusions

are not managed appropriately Bone tissue forms within the muscle

Treatment-PRICE (knee flexed during ice applications)

Moderate to severe contusions require athlete be placed on crutches to minimize the stress to the area

Hip and Thigh contusions continued… Rehab-active rest and gentle stretching

help restore mobility Ultrasound often used to help reabsorb the

blood that collects internally and to break up bony tissue deposits

ATC must place a protective pad over the contusion to prevent repeated injuries to the area

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease Disruption of blood flow to the head of the

femur causes the tissue at head of the femur to die

Typical signs and symptoms include groin or knee pain and walking with a limp

If condition is suspected, athlete should be referred to a physician right away