A joint dislocation, also referred to as luxation, happens whenever there’s an abnormal separation at the joint, in which two or more bones meet. A partial dislocation is popularly known as a subluxation. Dislocations are often caused abrupt injury on the joint such as an impact or collapse. Dislocations can occur in any joint important (shoulder, knees, etc.) or small (feet, fingers, etc.). The most frequent joint dislocation is a shoulder dislocation.
Remedy for joint dislocation is generally by shut loss, in other words, proficient manipulation to return the bones to their usual position. Reduction should be carried out only by trained people, since it can lead to harm to delicate tissue across the dislocation.
A dislocation is an injury to a joint — a place where two or more bones come together — in which the ends of your bones are forced from their normal positions. This painful injury temporarily deforms and immobilizes your joint.
Dislocation is most common in shoulders and fingers. Other sites include elbows, knees and hips. If you suspect a dislocation, seek prompt medical attention to return your bones to their proper positions.
When treated properly, most dislocations return to normal function after several weeks of rest and rehabilitation. However, some joints, such as your shoulder, may have an increased risk of repeat dislocation.
Causes of joint dislocation
Joint dislocations are caused by trauma to the joint or when an individual falls on a specific joint. Great and sudden force applied, by either a blow or fall, to the joint can cause the bones in the joint to be displaced or dislocated from normal position. With each dislocation, the ligaments keeping the bones fixed in the correct position can be damaged or loosened, making it easier for the joint to be dislocated in the future.
Some individuals are prone to dislocations due to congenital conditions, such as hypermobility syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Hypermobility syndrome is genetically inherited disorder that is thought to affect the encoding of the connective tissue protein’s collagen in the ligament of joints. The loosened or stretched ligaments in the joint provide little stability and allow for the joint to be easily dislocated.
Symptoms of joint dislocation
A dislocated joint can be:
- Visibly deformed or out of place
- Swollen or discolored
- Intensely painful
- Immovable
Prevention of joint dislocation
To help prevent a dislocation:
- Take precautions to avoid falls. Get your eyes checked regularly. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if any of the drugs you take might make you dizzy. Be sure your home is well-lighted and that you remove any potential tripping hazards from the areas where you walk.
- Play safely. Wear the suggested protective gear when you play contact sports.
- Avoid recurrence. Once you’ve dislocated a joint, you might be more susceptible to future dislocations. To avoid recurrence, do strength and stability exercises as recommended by your doctor or physical therapist to improve joint support.
