BONES 101 | ARTHRITIS | BONE CANCER | JOINT PAIN | BONE HEALTH
Joint Dislocation
- Joint Dislocation Definition
- Joint Dislocation Symptoms
- Joint Dislocation Causes
- Joint Dislocation Treatment
- Joint Dislocation Prevention
- Joint Dislocation First Aid
Joint Dislocation - a joint which loses its original place or slips out from its natural place where the ends of joint bones are seperated from its original position.
Joint dislocation symptoms can be quite obvious since often the connecting joint bones feel or look out of place. A dislocation is almost always accompanied by pain, swelling, loss of movement and malfunctioning of the joint. Severe dislocation cases result in tearing of muscles, tendons and ligaments and joint cartilage that support the joint. In case of a dislocated vertebrae, a person can lose nearly all movement ability due to possible nerve damage.
Joint dislocation is often caused by twisting of the joint or a strong blow that causes significant damage. Some cases of joint dislocation may be caused by defective ligaments or weakened bones from problems like arthritis or osteoporosis.
Joint dislocation treatment carise on damage severity, possible complications and the amount of time that passed since the dislocation. Common treatments are pain and anti-inflammation medication to relieve the pain and reduce swelling. Patients often require surgery to repair or tighten ligaments that have been stretched as a result of joint dislocation. Injuries to the surrounding ligaments generally take 3 to 6 weeks to heal.
- Teach children how to play safe and avoid streets
- Create a safe, non-slippery, carpeted environment around your home
- Pay attention on stairways
- Wear protective pads and helmets during physical activity
First Aid
- Call 911 before treating someone with a dislocation, especially in life-threatening situations
- Check the person's breathing and circulation. If necessary, begin rescue breathing, CPR, or bleeding control
- Do not move the person if you think that the head, back, or leg has been injured. Keep the person still
- If the skin is broken, take steps to prevent infection. Rinse the area gently and remove obvious dirt. Do not scrub or probe
- Splint or sling the injury in the dislocated position. Do not move the joint and immobilize the area around the joint
- Check blood circulation around the injury by pressing firmly on the skin which should make it turn white, then regain color within seconds
- Apply ice packs to ease pain and swelling
- Take steps to prevent shock. Unless there is a head, leg, or back injury, lay the victim flat, elevate the feet about 12 inches, and cover the person with a coat or blanket