Joint dislocation

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

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

The symptoms of a joint dislocation include:

• Intense pain at the joint
• Swelling or bruising
• Visible deformity of the joint
• Inability to move the joint
• Numbness or tingling sensation

Diagnosis

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

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

Complications from joint dislocations can include:

• Damage to surrounding tissues
• Arthritis in the affected joint
• Recurrent dislocations
• Nerve damage

Prevention

Preventive measures for joint dislocations include:

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

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

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  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.

Related pages

• Ligament
• Tendon
• Muscle
• Nerve
• Arthritis