Dislocation

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Definition

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

Dissection of a dislocated shoulder joint

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Other names

Joint dislocation is referred to as luxation

Medical emergency

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

Causes

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

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

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

Shoulder dislocation

• 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

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

• 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

• 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

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  Dislocation of the left index finger

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  Radiograph of right fifth phalanx bone dislocation

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  Radiograph of left index finger dislocation

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  Depiction of reduction of a dislocated spine, ca. 1300

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  Dislocation of the carpo-metacarpal joint.

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  Radiograph of right fifth phalanx dislocation resulting from bicycle accident

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  Right fifth phalanx dislocation resulting from bicycle accident

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  Shoulder dislocation before (left) and after (right) being reduced

See also

• Buddy wrapping
• Major trauma
• Physical therapy
• Projectional radiography
• Listhesis, olisthesis, or olisthy

 

Dislocation Resources
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