Dislocation symptoms, causes, and treatment

Definition of a dislocation

What is a dislocation?

A dislocation is when the bone moves out of the joint or position it should be. For example, the top of the arm bone should rest against your shoulder joint. When the bone shifts or leaves the joint, you dislocate your shoulder.

Dislocations are most common in the shoulders and fingers. Other body parts that experience bone shifting are the elbows, knees and hips. Joints and bones that have been dislocated are more likely to experience the same thing at a later time.

This condition generally occurs as a result of sudden movement of the joint, or a hard collision in that part of the body. Usually sufferers will feel excruciating pain and have unbalanced body movements, even difficulty moving.

Given that this condition means the bones are not located in their normal position, you must immediately get medical help and treatment as soon as possible. If the bone is not treated promptly, it can cause damage to ligaments, nerves, or blood vessels.

How common are dislocations?

Dislocation is a common musculoskeletal disorder. Yes, disorders of this movement system can occur in almost all parts of the joints in the body.

However, some of the most commonly dislocated joints are:

• Finger
• Shoulder
• Knee
• Elbow
• Waist
• Jaw

Dislocations can occur in patients of any age. However, the incidence is more common in the elderly and children.

Older people tend to have a higher risk of falling easily. This is because the elderly have limitations in movement and the ability to maintain body balance decreases.

In addition, children are also more vulnerable and at risk of falling while playing, especially in unsafe play areas and lack of parental supervision.

People who usually engage in strenuous physical activity and participate in certain sports, such as athletes, are also at a greater risk of developing this condition.

Dislocation signs & symptoms

Common symptoms of a dislocation are:

• Bone looks out of place.
• Swelling and bruising.
• The joint feels sore when you move.
• Numbness or tingling around the dislocated area.
• Inability to move or limited movement of the affected joint.

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When to see a doctor?

If you have any signs or symptoms above or any other questions, please consult your doctor.

Each sufferer's body will show signs and symptoms that vary. To find out what kind of treatment is most appropriate and according to your health condition, always check any symptoms you are experiencing to the doctor or the nearest health service center.

Causes of the dislocation

A dislocation is a condition that occurs when a joint is forced to perform extreme movements suddenly. In addition, an unbalanced impact can also cause this condition.

Generally, dislocations occur as a result of a motor vehicle accident, falling in an improper position, or other trauma.

When a dislocation occurs, the ligaments can tear. Ligaments are fibrous connective tissues that are flexible. The function of ligaments is to connect the bones and cartilage tissue in the body.

For example, the joints in the waist and shoulders are called bullet joints. If there is excessive force on the ligaments of the joint, part of the joint will fall out of place.

In general, this condition can occur in all joints in the body. However, the part of the body that experiences the most frequent shifting of bones and joints is the shoulder.

Dislocation risk factors

Dislocation is a condition that can occur in almost anyone, regardless of age and race. However, there are several factors that can increase a person's risk for developing this condition.

You need to know that having one or more risk factors does not mean that you will definitely experience a condition or disease. In some rare cases, it is possible that a person can suffer from a disease without any risk factors.

Factors that can trigger a dislocation are:

1. Age

Although dislocations can occur in anyone, they are quite common in children and the elderly.

In children, this condition often occurs due to active body movements, being in an unsafe place, and lack of parental supervision.

Meanwhile, elderly people are also prone to experiencing this condition due to decreased ability to maintain body balance and the state of body joints that are no longer flexible.

2. The body is prone to falls

If you fall, you are much more likely to dislocate your shoulder, especially if you are using one part of your body to support it, such as an arm or shoulder.

3. Descendants of the family

Some people are born with looser ligaments in the body, so their bodies are more prone to accidents and joint displacement and eventually dislocation.

4. Participate in sports activities

This condition is very common in sports activities that involve physical contact, such as gymnastics, wrestling, basketball and soccer.

Therefore, if you frequently or actively participate in sports like this, your chances of getting injured due to a shift in your shoulder are much greater.

5. Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents are the most common cause of dislocation. The condition of shifting bones and joints will get worse if you don't wear a seat belt while driving.

Dislocation diagnosis & treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

Dislocations are a condition that is sometimes difficult to diagnose. This is because shifting bones and joints generally have symptoms that resemble fractures.

If a dislocation occurs, you should get medical attention as soon as possible. When diagnosing, the doctor will carry out a thorough examination of the injured area.

First of all, the doctor will check the blood circulation in the injured area. The doctor will also check for any deformities or damage to the skin.

If your doctor believes you have a dislocation or fracture, you will be asked to do imaging or imaging tests, such as X-rays and MRIs. The imaging technique chosen depends on which part of the body is affected.

The following are various tests to do when you have a dislocation:

1. X-ray

An x-ray imaging procedure is performed to see if there is joint damage or fractures in the injured body part.

2. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)

This test can help the doctor check for damage to the soft tissue around the dislocated joint.

How are dislocations handled?

The treatment and medical action taken depends on where the dislocation occurs. This may also depend on the severity of your condition.

The first aid and action you should take is the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation). In some cases, the displaced joint can return to its original position after this RICE procedure is performed.

• Rest (break): it is recommended to stop any activity as soon as possible.
• Ice (ice pack): compress the area with cold water for 10 minutes.
• Compression (pressure): this technique is done by applying pressure with a bandage.
• Elevation (lift): The injured leg or hand is raised to a position or height above our head when lying down.

If these techniques do not show signs that the injury will improve, you should immediately see a doctor and seek medical help that best suits your condition.

1. Manipulation

In this method, the doctor will manipulate or reposition the joint back into place. You will be given an anesthetic to avoid the pain and relax your muscles. This can help simplify the procedure.

2. Immobilization

After the joint returns to its normal place, your doctor may ask you to wear a sling, splint, or bandage for a few weeks. Its purpose is to prevent the joint from moving and allow for complete healing.

The time it takes to heal generally varies, depending on the joint and its severity.

3. Medicines

You may feel excess pain after doing the above procedures. If this condition occurs, the doctor will give pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen to reduce pain.

4. Operation

If the dislocation has affected your nerves and blood vessels, your doctor will recommend a surgical or surgical procedure. This procedure is also performed if the doctor is unable to return the bone to its original position.

To prevent the bone displacement from getting worse, the surgical team may reconstruct the joint and repair the damaged structure.

5. Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is carried out after any manipulation or surgery procedures have been performed and you have not used any assistive devices to walk.

The goal of rehabilitation is to restore muscle strength and balance.

Home remedies for dislocations

Here are lifestyle and home remedies that can help you deal with dislocations:

• Rest the dislocated joint. Avoid certain activities that cause pain, avoid painful movements.
• Apply warm water or ice to the dislocated joint. Putting ice on a dislocated joint can reduce redness and pain. On the first or second day, use a cold compress for 15 to 20 minutes. After symptoms improve, use a warm compress for 20 minutes to relax the muscles.
• Movement exercises after 1-2 days, do some light exercises that help maintain normal function of the joints.

If you have other questions about dislocation, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.

Dislocation complications

What are the complications caused by a dislocation?

If this condition is not treated immediately and get medical help, several health complications may occur which include:

• Tears of the muscles, ligaments and tendons around the injured joint.
• Damage to nerves or blood vessels in or around the joint.
• More prone to injury the next time.
• You are at risk of developing arthritis in the injured joints as you get older.

Dislocation prevention

According to Intermountain Healthcare, there are several ways you can prevent dislocations, such as:

1. Take care and avoid falling

Some of the ways you can do to avoid falling are:

• Remove any objects that might cause you to fall or trip when walking around the house.
• Always focus on paying attention to the road while walking outside the house.
• Use glasses or contact lenses if you have vision problems to be more sensitive to surrounding conditions.
• Understand any side effects such as headaches or dizziness from the drugs you are taking.
• Use a non-slip floor mat so you don't slip easily in the shower.

2. Use safety equipment when exercising

Use the right equipment when you want to do sports. Typically, exercise equipment includes:

• Elbow protector.
• Knee protector.
• Head protection (helmet).
• Face mask.

You are also advised to be more careful about using joints that have previously been dislocated. This is important to avoid unwanted injury.