Your Care Instructions
Your child's hip is a large and fairly stable joint. Usually it takes a serious injury, or trauma, to make the thigh bone slip out of its socket (dislocate). This might be something like a hard fall, a car crash, or something else of great force. When the thigh bone slips out of its socket, it is called a dislocated hip.
The doctor will put your child's hip back in place. What happens next depends on the age of your child. The doctor may put a younger child in a spica cast. This will keep the hip from moving. For older children, first the doctor will put the dislocated hip back into normal position. Your child may need to use a walking aid or a hip brace for several weeks or months while the hip heals.
Exercise and physiotherapy can help your child's hip get strong and move normally again. You can also help your child get better with rest and home care.
Your child may have had a sedative to help them relax. Your child may be unsteady after having sedation. It takes time (sometimes a few hours) for the medicine's effects to wear off. Common side effects of sedation include nausea, vomiting, and feeling sleepy or cranky.
The doctor has checked your child carefully, but problems can develop later. If you notice any problems or new symptoms, get medical treatment right away.
Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
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