Dislocation

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

(Redirected from Dislocations)

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Definition[edit | edit source]

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

Dissection of a dislocated shoulder 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.

Gallery[edit | edit source]

See also[edit | edit source]




Dislocation Resources

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD