ABOUT THE DISEASE

Dislocation of a joint occurs when ends of two or more adjacent bones no longer touch each other. This can be a minor dislocation (subluxation) or a major dislocation. The most common joints prone to a dislocation are the shoulder, kneecap, and fingers. Very common in players involved with Contact sports (football, rugby, hockey, etc) or sports that require repetitive overhead arm motion (throwing, swimming, volleyball).

SYMPTOMS

• • Sudden pain at the time of injury.
• • Noticeable deformity in the area of the joint.
• • Swollen or bruised area.
• • Limited range of motion.
• • Numbness or tingling at the joint

CAUSES

- Usually a traumatic injury like blow or fall that stretches or tears ligaments that surround a joint and hold the bones together.
- Condition present since birth (congenital) in which the joint surfaces are shallow or abnormally formed.
- Joint disease such as arthritis or other diseases of ligaments and tissues around a joint.

DIAGNOSIS

- Physical examination
- X-Ray

TREATMENT METHODS

This condition is usually curable with prompt treatment. Treatment initially involves realigning the bones (reduction) of the joint. Medicine and ice can be used to reduce pain and inflammation, after reduction. In some cases, the joint may require immobilization with a cast, splint, or sling for 2 to 6 weeks, often followed by strength and stretching exercises.

You may also like to learn about:

Fractures
Arthritis
Bone cancer
Shoulder injury
Meniscus Tear
ACL injury