Dislocations occur when bones in a joint move out of position, causing pain and potential complications. Treatment involves putting the joint back into place and immobilizing it. Physiotherapy can help strengthen ligaments to prevent future injury. People with connective tissue disorders are more prone to dislocations and should take precautions.
A dislocation is a type of joint injury in which the bones in a joint move out of position. Also known as a dislocated joint, a dislocation can be very painful and requires immediate treatment. A doctor can “drop” the dislocation and push the joint back into place. Additional treatment may be required after the dislocation to help the patient make a full recovery and prevent further injury to the site.
Knees, elbows, fingers and shoulders are especially prone to dislocation. These injuries are usually caused by a fall or a hard blow hard enough to push the joint out of position. Joints can also be pulled out of place when pulled strenuously from either side or pulled sharply. In a related injury, a subluxation, the joint is pulled only partially out of position.
The injury damages the ligaments around the joint and can also cause a fracture. Once a joint is dislocated, the blood supply to the joint is cut off, and the longer the injury waits for treatment, the more serious the potential complications can be. Tissue necrosis can occur due to lack of blood flow, and permanent damage can be caused to the tight ligaments around the joint.
Treatment involves putting the joint back into place and pinning, taping, or casting it so it can no longer move out of position as it heals. Once a joint has been dislocated, even after it has healed, the risk of future injury due to weakened ligaments increases. Physiotherapy can be used to improve joint strength after a dislocation has healed, with the goal of strengthening the ligaments so they are strong enough to hold the joint in place.
It is important to use a doctor to reduce a dislocation if possible. Knowledge of the anatomy is needed to evaluate the injury and select the best angle of attack to bring the joint back into position. An inexperienced person can cause further injury while attempting to reposition the joint, and even people who are not medical professionals usually do not have access to pain-relieving medication that could be used to keep the patient comfortable while the joint is being put back into place. place.
Some conditions can make people prone to joint dislocations. In these individuals, the joints dislocate of their own accord because the connective tissue is not strong enough to support the joints. People with these conditions can experience a variety of complications related to their connective tissue disorders and should be careful in environments where they may fall or strain their limbs, as a slight strain could displace a joint.
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