Joint Dislocations
Department
Joint Dislocations
Joint dislocations occur when the bones in a joint are forced out of their normal positions, typically due to trauma such as falls, sports injuries, or accidents. Commonly dislocated joints include the shoulder, elbow, fingers, hip, and knee. The primary goals of treatment are to realign the joint, manage pain, and restore function while preventing recurrence
Immediate Treatment:
Reduction:
- Closed Reduction: This non-surgical procedure involves manually realigning the dislocated bones. It is usually performed under local or general anesthesia to minimize pain.
- Open Reduction: If closed reduction fails or if there are associated fractures or soft tissue injuries, surgery may be required to realign the joint and repair damaged structures.
Immobilization:
- After reduction, the joint is often immobilized using a splint, sling, or brace to keep it stable and allow healing of the surrounding tissues. The duration of immobilization depends on the severity and location of the dislocation.
Post-Reduction Care:
- Pain Management:
- Pain and inflammation are managed with medications such as NSAIDs or analgesics. Ice packs may also be applied to reduce swelling.
- Rehabilitation:
- Physical therapy is crucial for restoring joint function, strength, and stability. Early rehabilitation focuses on gentle movements to regain range of motion, followed by strengthening exercises.
- Activity Modification:
- Patients are advised to avoid activities that may stress the joint or risk re-injury. Gradual return to normal activities is recommended based on the progress of healing.
Complications:
- Potential complications include recurrent dislocations, especially in joints like the shoulder, which are prone to instability. Nerve or blood vessel damage can also occur, particularly in severe dislocations.