The hip joint is made up of a ball at the end of the thighbone (femur) and a hollowed-out space (socket) in the hipbone (pelvis). The term "dislocated hip" refers to the ball of the femur slipping out of the hip socket.

People with cerebral palsy are more likely to have dislocated hips because their leg and hip muscles tighten and pull the ball out of the socket.

Some hip problems may be treated with an appliance such as a brace or a cast, preventing the need for surgery. But after a hip is dislocated, surgery is usually the only effective treatment.