Femoral head contusion without hip dislocation: low-energy trauma in a female basketball player

Femoral head contusions can occur concurrently with knee ligament injuries, patellar dislocations, or traumatic hip dislocations. Posterior hip subluxation is a possible mechanism in the absence of hip dislocation. Clinicians should have a high index of suspicion when evaluating an athlete who has significant hip or groin symptoms, despite having experienced seemingly minor or relatively low-energy trauma. Most patients should respond well to a period of non-weight bearing and a gradual return to exercise, but they may need to be monitored for future avascular necrosis and osteoarthritis in the affected hip.