What is a dislocation?

A dislocation occurs when bones in a joint become displaced or misaligned and the ligaments become damaged.

It is possible for any joint to become dislocation, but the most common are:

• Shoulders

• Fingers

• Knees

• Wrist

• Elbows

Causes:

• Trauma: Sudden impact to the joint

• Sports injuries

Signs and Symptoms:

• Visibly deformed or out of place

• Swollen

• Pain

• Limited to no movement

• Numbness near the injury

Nonsurgical Treatment:

• A dislocated joint can be placed back into its normal position by a trained medical professional

• Splints or sling

Surgical Treatment:

Surgery may be discussed if the doctor is unable to move your dislocated bone into the correct position or if you have had reoccurring dislocations.

Please note: this information is for informational purposes only. It should not be used for diagnosing an injury, and the information provided should not be used to replace medical treatment.