Patient Education

About Dislocations

A dislocation is a joint injury that occurs when the bones that form the joint are forced out of their normal position. It is a medical emergency that requires prompt medical attention to put the bones back in place.

Dislocations can happen in any joint in the body, both large joints like the shoulder, hip, knee, elbow and ankle, as well as smaller joints like fingers and toes. The most common sites of dislocation are the shoulder, elbow (especially in young children), and kneecap.

Common Symptoms

The main symptoms of a dislocation include:

• Severe pain and inability to move the affected joint
• Visible deformity of the joint compared to the uninjured side
• Swelling and bruising around the joint
• Numbness or tingling sensation

If you suspect someone has dislocated a joint, call for emergency medical help, immobilize the joint in the position you found it, and do not attempt to push the bones back into place. Dislocations are usually caused by a sudden impact or trauma to the joint, such as a fall, blow, or injury during contact sports.

Causes

Dislocations are typically caused by a sudden impact or trauma to the joint, such as:

• Car accidents
• Sports injuries
• Falls
• Blows or direct hits to the joint
• Contact sports injuries
• Accidents or falls that cause a forceful twisting or bending of the joint

Treatment

Initial First Aid

• Immobilize the joint in the position it is found, without trying to push the bones back into place
• Apply ice packs to reduce swelling and pain
• Take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication for pain
• Seek immediate medical attention at the emergency room

Relocation

• In the ER, the doctor will carefully manipulate the bones back into their proper position, often with the help of sedatives or anesthesia
• X-rays may be taken before and after relocation to check for fractures

Immobilization

• After the joint is relocated, it will be immobilized with a splint, sling or cast for several weeks to allow healing
• The duration depends on the joint and severity of injury

Medication

• Pain relievers and muscle relaxants may be prescribed if pain persists after relocation

Surgery

• Surgery is rarely needed but may be indicated if the dislocation caused nerve, blood vessel or other tissue damage
• For recurrent dislocations, surgery may be done to tighten ligaments and prevent future episodes

Rehabilitation

The key is to immobilize the joint, reduce pain, and have the bones relocated by a medical professional as soon as possible to prevent complications. Most dislocations heal well with proper treatment, but the joint remains prone to future dislocations.

• Physical therapy is started after immobilization to gradually restore strength and range of motion
• Protective bracing may be used during activities to prevent re-injury

FAQ’s

What is a dislocation?
A dislocation is a joint injury that occurs when the bones that form the joint are forced out of their normal position. It is a medical emergency that requires prompt medical attention to put the bones back in place.

What are the most common sites of dislocation?
The most common sites of dislocation are the shoulder, elbow (especially in young children), and kneecap. Dislocations can happen in any joint in the body, both large joints like the shoulder, hip, knee, elbow and ankle, as well as smaller joints like fingers and toes.

What causes a dislocation?
Dislocations are usually caused by a sudden impact or trauma to the joint, such as a fall, blow, or injury during contact sports. Car accidents are another common cause.

What are the symptoms of a dislocated joint?
A dislocated joint may be:

• Accompanied by numbness or tingling at the joint or beyond it
• Very painful, especially if you try to use the joint or put weight on it
• Limited in movement
• Swollen or bruised
• Visibly out of place, discolored, or misshapen

How is a dislocation treated?
Treatment involves:

• Immobilizing the joint in the position it is found
• Applying ice packs to reduce swelling and pain
• Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication for pain
• Seeking immediate medical attention to have the bones carefully manipulated back into place, often with sedatives or anesthesia
• Immobilizing the joint with a splint, sling or cast for several weeks to allow healing
• Starting physical therapy after immobilization to restore strength and range of motion

What are the potential complications of a dislocation?
Complications can include:

• Injuries to surrounding tissues like ligaments that take 6-12 weeks to heal
• Injuries to nerves and blood vessels that may cause more long-term problems
• Increased risk of recurrent dislocations once a joint has been dislocated

How can dislocations be prevented?
To help prevent dislocations:

• Create a safe environment and supervise children closely
• Avoid standing on unstable objects
• Eliminate throw rugs, especially around older adults
• Wear protective gear when participating in contact sports
• Keep a first aid kit handy and use handrails on staircases

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