A dislocation occurs when the bones in a joint are forced out of their normal position, causing pain, deformity, and loss of function. Prompt first aid helps reduce further injury and manages pain until professional care is available.
Causes of Dislocation
Causes for Dislocation could include:
- Injury during sports activities or a fall
- Motor vehicle accidents
Types of Dislocations
Dislocations are usually classified depending on how far the bones in a person’s joints move. They are of two types:
Luxation or complete dislocation: A complete dislocation occurs when the bones in a joint get completely pushed out or separated from their original place.
Subluxation: Subluxation is also known as partial dislocation. It refers to a joint being pulled apart by something while the bones still touch partially.
Signs and Symptoms
- Sudden, severe pain at the joint
- Visible deformity or “out-of-place” appearance
- Swelling and bruising around the joint
- Inability to move or bear weight on the affected limb
Dislocation Risk Factors
A dislocation can be experienced by anyone in case they fall or go through some other kind of trauma. Older people, however, face a bigger risk of dislocations if they tend to fall more often in a way that’s beyond their control. Children left to play without adult supervision can also face dislocations, especially if the area isn’t childproofed. Indulging in physical activities such as contact sports also puts one at a higher risk of dislocations.
Immediate Actions
- Don’t attempt to pop the joint back into place—this can damage ligaments, nerves, or blood vessels.
- Immobilize the joint in the position you found it using a splint or sling that secures both above and below the injury.
- Apply ice packs wrapped in a cloth for 10–20 minutes to reduce swelling and pain.
- Elevate the injured limb, if possible, to help control swelling.
- Monitor for signs of shock (pale skin, rapid pulse, shallow breathing) and keep the person lying down and warm.
- Seek medical help immediately—dislocations require professional reduction and assessment.
Do’s and Don’ts
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Keep the joint still and supported | Try to force the bones back into place |
| Splint above and below the affected area | Move, bend, or rotate the injured joint |
| Use cold therapy to manage pain | Massage the area or apply heat |
| Call for emergency medical assistance | Delay seeking professional evaluation |
When to Seek Medical Attention
- Any suspected dislocation, even if pain seems mild
- Loss of sensation or circulation (numbness, tingling, pale or cold skin)
- Open wound near the joint or bone protruding through the skin
- Signs of severe swelling, bruising, or inability to move the limb
Prevention
Dislocations normally happen due to accidents that can’t be predicted. There are, however, a few things one can remember to stay as safe as possible while playing sports or engaging in other physical activities:
- Put on the right kind of protective gear
- Don’t continue playing or exercising if you have joint pain after or during the physical activity
- Always stretch well before playing or working out
- Allow your body to cool down after the activity and do your post-workout stretches
- Ensure your body receives enough time to recover and rest after a workout
Some general tips that can help in preventing dislocations are:
- Make use of handrails every time you go up and down the stairs
- Always keep a first aid kit within reach whenever possible
- Stay away from throw rugs
- See to it that your floor isn’t covered with electrical cords
- Don’t climb on tools such as tables or chairs to reach an area or get things off a shelf
Prevention techniques for kids include:
- Keep your home childproof and safe
- Make sure your staircases have gates
- Supervise your kids, especially during playtime
REFERENCES
- Roberts JR, et al., eds. Management of common dislocations. In: Roberts and Hedges’ Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine and Acute Care. 7th ed. Elsevier; 2019. https://www.clinicalkey.com.
- Hyvonen H, et al. Recent trends in children’s elbow dislocation with or without a concomitant fracture. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2019; doi:10.1186/s12891-019-2651-8.
- Dislocated shoulder. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/dislocated-shoulder.
- Maulik P. Purohit, First Aid for Dislocation, Feb 26, 2018, https://www.dovemed.com/healthy-living/first-aid/dislocation
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