Medication Summary
Patients who have experienced hip dislocation are usually in severe pain. The pain should be evaluated on a scale (0-10) and the patient provided with sufficient analgesia. While in the hospital, intravenous narcotics are the best choice for pain relief. Intravenous morphine (0.1 mg/kg q2-4h) is recommended for optimal analgesia. Postdischarge oral narcotics should be prescribed to keep the patient comfortable at home and during their rehabilitation period. Decreasing the inflammation near the site of injury by giving NSAIDs (eg, ibuprofen, naproxen) every 6 hours is also important. This enables the patient to be as comfortable as possible, while aiding in the healing process.
Analgesics
Class Summary
Pain control is essential to quality patient care. Analgesics ensure patient comfort, promote pulmonary toilet, and have sedating properties, which are beneficial for patients who have sustained trauma or who have sustained injuries.
Related Medscape Reference topic
Toxicity, Narcotics
Hydrocodone and acetaminophen (Lorcet, Lortab, Norcet, Vicodin)
Drug combination indicated for moderate to severe pain.
Oxycodone and acetaminophen (Percocet, Roxicet, Roxilox, Tylox)
Drug combination indicated for the relief of moderate to severe pain.
Oxycodone and aspirin (Percodan, Roxiprin, Codoxy)
Drug combination indicated for the relief of moderate to severe pain.
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Class Summary
NSAIDs have analgesic and antipyretic activities. The mechanism of action of these agents is not known, but NSAIDs may inhibit cyclooxygenase activity and prostaglandin synthesis. Other mechanisms may exist as well, such as inhibition of leukotriene synthesis, lysosomal enzyme release, lipoxygenase activity, neutrophil aggregation, and various cell membrane functions. Treatment of pain tends to be patient specific.
Related Medscape Reference topic
Toxicity, Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Agents
Ibuprofen (Ibuprin, Advil, Motrin)
Drug of choice (DOC) for mild to moderate pain. Inhibits inflammatory reactions and pain by decreasing prostaglandin synthesis.
Naproxen (Naprelan, Naprosyn, Aleve, Anaprox)
For the relief of mild to moderate pain; inhibits inflammatory reactions and pain by decreasing the activity of cyclooxygenase, which is responsible for prostaglandin synthesis.
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Normal anteroposterior (AP) pelvis radiograph.
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Right posterior hip dislocation in a young woman following a high-speed motor vehicle collision (MVC).
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Fracture-dislocation of the right hip. The bony fragments are likely part of the acetabulum.