Joint dislocation

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Displacement of bones in a joint


Joint dislocation
Synonyms Latin: luxatio
Pronounce
Field Orthopedics, Emergency medicine
Symptoms Pain, swelling, visible deformity, inability to move the joint, bruising
Complications Nerve injury, vascular injury, fracture, joint instability, arthritis
Onset Sudden (trauma-related)
Duration Variable; may resolve with treatment or lead to chronic instability
Types Shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, finger, ankle, etc.
Causes Trauma, falls, sports injuries, congenital conditions, ligament laxity
Risks Contact sports, previous dislocations, joint hypermobility, accidents
Diagnosis Physical examination, X-ray, MRI
Differential diagnosis Fracture, sprain, ligament tear
Prevention Protective gear in sports, proper technique, muscle strengthening, avoid high-risk activities
Treatment Joint reduction, immobilization, physical therapy, surgical repair in some cases
Medication Analgesics, NSAIDs, muscle relaxants
Prognosis Good with prompt treatment, though risk of recurrence exists
Frequency Common in sports and trauma cases
Deaths Rare; typically due to associated trauma (e.g., vascular compromise)


Joint dislocation, also known as luxation, occurs when there is an abnormal separation in the joint where two or more bones meet. A dislocated joint is a condition that requires immediate medical attention to prevent further damage to the surrounding ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Joint dislocations are typically caused by a sudden impact to the joint. This can occur during sports activities, falls, or trauma such as a motor vehicle accident. The force of the impact can push the bones out of their normal position.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The symptoms of a joint dislocation include:

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of a joint dislocation is typically made through a physical examination and confirmed with imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI scans. These tests help to determine the extent of the dislocation and any associated injuries.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

The primary treatment for a dislocated joint is to reposition the bones back into their normal alignment, a process known as reduction. This can be done manually by a healthcare professional. In some cases, surgery may be required to repair damaged structures or to stabilize the joint.

After reduction, the joint may be immobilized with a splint or cast to allow for healing. Physical therapy is often recommended to restore strength and range of motion.

Complications[edit | edit source]

Complications from joint dislocations can include:

Prevention[edit | edit source]

Preventive measures for joint dislocations include:

  • Using protective gear during sports
  • Strengthening muscles around the joint
  • Practicing proper techniques in physical activities


Gallery[edit | edit source]

Related pages[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]



Classification
External resources



  1. Earwaker J, Posttraumatic calcification of the annular ligament of the radius., Skeletal Radiol, 1992, Vol. 21(Issue: 3), pp. 149–54, DOI: 10.1007/BF00242127, PMID: 1604339,
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