Which leg position suggests an anterior hip dislocation?

Which leg position suggests an anterior hip dislocation?

• A. Flexed, abducted, externally rotated
• B. Flexed, adducted, internally rotated
• C. Extended, adducted, internally rotated
• D. Neutral

Answer: (A)

Anterior hip dislocation causes the leg to rest in flexion with abduction and external rotation because the femoral head is displaced forward from the socket. This position is the hallmark clue: flexed, abducted, externally rotated. In contrast, a posterior dislocation typically presents with the leg flexed, adducted, and internally rotated. The other patterns described—extended with adduction and internal rotation, or a neutral position—don’t fit the typical deformity seen with an anterior dislocation.

Anterior hip dislocation causes the leg to rest in flexion with abduction and external rotation because the femoral head is displaced forward from the socket. This position is the hallmark clue: flexed, abducted, externally rotated. In contrast, a posterior dislocation typically presents with the leg flexed, adducted, and internally rotated. The other patterns described—extended with adduction and internal rotation, or a neutral position—don’t fit the typical deformity seen with an anterior dislocation.