Dislocation

Definition[edit | edit source]

Dislocation is displacement of the two or more bones in a joint.

Dissection of a dislocated shoulder joint

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Other names[edit | edit source]

Joint dislocation is referred to as luxation

Medical emergency[edit | edit source]

A dislocated joint is an emergency. If you have one, seek immediate medical attention.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Joint dislocations occur when a sudden, great force is applied to the joint, such as a hard fall during parachuting or heavy blow during a vehicular crash.

Risk factors[edit | edit source]

Some people with genetic predispositions such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome or hypermobility syndrome are at increased risk. Those in high risk sport or occupations are also at risk.

Common joint dislocations[edit | edit source]

The highest incidence of dislocations occurs in the shoulder, elbow, knee, and finger joints.

Shoulder dislocation[edit | edit source]

The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the human body and is therefore also the joint most prone to instability.
Anterior dislocations are by far the most common, representing 9598% of shoulder dislocations.
This injury occurs when the shoulder is forcefully abducted, extended and externally rotated.
When such an injury occurs the patient is usually in considerable distress and tends to hold the arm close to the body.
On physical examination one may note that the convex contour of the shoulder is lost.
Care must be taken to evaluate for injuries to adjacent neurovascular structures

X-ray of ventral dislocation of the radial head. There is calcification of annular ligament, which can be seen as early as 2 weeks after injury.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Symptoms depend on the joint involved and usually involve some or all of the following symptoms:

Severe pain
Joint instability
Deformity of the joint area
Reduced muscle strength
Bruising or redness of joint area
Difficulty moving joint
Stiffness

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Joint dislocation needs immediate medical attention as it is a medical emergency.
Treatment depends on which joint you dislocate and the severity of the injury.
It might include manipulations to reposition your bones, medicine, a splint or sling, and rehabilitation.
When properly repositioned, a joint will usually function and move normally again in a few weeks.

Prevention[edit | edit source]

Prevention is better than cure. Wearing protective gear, reducing the risk of injury, and other preventive measures are recommended.
Once you dislocate a shoulder or kneecap, you are more likely to dislocate it again.
Wearing protective gear during sports may help prevent dislocations.