Dislocations

What are dislocations?

Dislocations are joint injuries that happen when two or more bones are forced out of their typical alignment. A dislocation is painful, temporarily immobilizing and deforming the affected joint. Treating this injury promptly is vital to restoring joint function and minimizing any further tissue damage. See the Go To Ortho experts at the first sign of a joint injury. 

What are the symptoms of dislocations?

The symptoms of joint dislocations include:

• Swelling
• Intense pain
• Discoloration
• Visible joint deformity
• Inability to move the affected joint

Joint dislocation commonly happens in the toes, fingers, ankles, elbows, hips, knees, shoulders, wrists, and jaw. The shoulder is the most commonly dislocated joint.

What are the risk factors for dislocations?

Joint dislocation can occur because of:

• Sports injuries
• Falls
• Car accidents
• Genetics  
• Work-related accidents
• Blow to your joint

Contact sports, such as hockey, basketball, and football, increase the risk of dislocations and other joint injuries. Hip dislocations are common injuries among people in car accidents not wearing their seatbelts. 

How are dislocations diagnosed?

Diagnosing dislocations at Go To Ortho involves an evaluation of the affected joint, a discussion of your medical history, and a review of how the injury occurred. Your specialist may order on-site X-rays, an MRI, or other imaging procedures to confirm a diagnosis and determine the severity of your injury.

A partial dislocation means part of your joint is still in its proper place, while a complete dislocation is a joint that has fully separated.

How are dislocations treated?

Treating a joint dislocation may consist of one or more of the following:

• Rest and ice or heat packs
• Medications to lessen pain and inflammation 
• Reduction - a gentle maneuver that helps move your bones back into their ideal alignment
• Immobilization - a splint or sling that immobilizes your joint after realigning it
• Surgery - a surgical procedure that moves dislocated bones back into the correct position and repairs any tissue damage
• Rehabilitation - exercising and stretching with a specialist to restore the affected joint’s strength and range of motion

With proper treatment and permission from your orthopedic specialist, you can often return to typical daily activities after a few weeks of rest and rehabilitation. Recovery time may be longer after surgery.

If you experience joint dislocation, schedule a prompt appointment at Go To Ortho by phone, request one online, or simply walk in today.