A patient sustains a posterior dislocation of the hip joint. On examination, the leg is held in flexion, adduction, and internal rotation, and there is weakness of hip abduction. Which nerve is most commonly injured in posterior hip dislocation?

• A Femoral nerve
• B Sciatic nerve ✓
• C Superior gluteal nerve
• D Obturator nerve

Explanation

The sciatic nerve exits the pelvis through the greater sciatic foramen below piriformis and lies posterior to the hip joint. In posterior dislocation, the femoral head is driven posteriorly and superiorly, directly stretching or contusing the sciatic nerve. Incidence of sciatic nerve injury in posterior hip dislocation is approximately 10-15%. The peroneal division (lateral part of sciatic nerve) is more vulnerable due to its lateral position and tighter tethering. Features include foot drop, loss of dorsiflexion and eversion, and sensory loss over the dorsum of the foot and lateral leg.

Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.