Dislocations

Dislocation
A dislocation is a separation of two bones where they meet at a joint. Joints are areas where
two bones come together.
A dislocated joint is a joint where the bones are no longer in their normal positions.
Considerations
It may be hard to tell a dislocated joint from a broken bone. Both are emergencies that need
first aid treatment.
Most dislocations can be treated in a doctor's office or emergency room. You may be
given medicine to make you sleepy and to numb the area. Sometimes, general
anesthesia that puts you into a deep sleep is needed.
When treated early, most dislocations do not cause permanent injury.
You should expect that:
 Injuries to the surrounding tissues generally take 6 to 12 weeks to heal. Sometimes, surgery to
repair a ligament that tears when the joint is dislocated is needed.
 Injuries to nerves and blood vessels may result in more long-term or permanent problems.
Once a joint has been dislocated, it is more likely to happen again. After being treated in the
emergency room, you should follow-up with an orthopedic surgeon (a bone and joint doctor).
Causes
Dislocations are usually caused by a sudden impact to the joint. This usually occurs following a
blow, fall, or other trauma.
Symptoms
A dislocated joint may be:
 Accompanied by numbness or tingling at the joint or beyond it
 Very painful, especially if you try to use the joint or put weight on it
 Limited in movement
 Swollen or bruised
 Visibly out of place, discolored, or misshapen
Nursemaid's elbow, or pulled elbow, is a partial dislocation that is common in toddlers. The
main symptom is pain so that the child doesn't want to use the arm. This dislocation can be
easily treated in a doctor's office.
First Aid
First aid steps to take:
1. Call 911 before you begin treating someone who may have a dislocation, especially if the
accident that caused the injury may be life threatening.
2. If the person has a serious injury, check their airway, breathing, and circulation. If
necessary, begin CPR, or bleeding control.
3. Do not move the person if you think that their head, back, or leg has been injured. Keep
the person calm and still.
4. If the skin is broken, take steps to prevent infection. Do not blow on the wound. Rinse the
area gently with clean water to remove any dirt you can see, but do not scrub or probe.
Cover the area with sterile dressings before immobilizing the injured joint.
5. Apply a splint or sling to the injured joint in the position in which you found it. Do not move
the joint. Also immobilize the area above and below the injured area.
6. Check blood circulation around the injury by pressing firmly on the skin in the affected
area. It should turn white, then regain color within a couple of seconds after you stop
pressing on it. To reduce the risk of developing infection, do not do this step if the skin is
broken.
7. Apply ice packs to ease pain and swelling, but do not put ice directly on the skin. Wrap
the ice in a clean cloth.
8. Take steps to prevent shock. Unless there is a head, leg, or back injury, lay the victim flat,
elevate their feet about 12 inches (30 centimeters), and cover the person with a coat or
blanket.
DO NOT
 Do NOT move the person unless the injury has been completely immobilized.
 Do NOT move a person with an injured hip, pelvis, or upper leg unless it is absolutely
necessary. If you are the only rescuer and the person must be moved, drag them by their
clothing.
 Do NOT attempt to straighten a misshapen bone or joint or try to change its position.
 Do NOT test a misshapen bone or joint for loss of function.
 Do NOT give the person anything by mouth.
When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call 911 right away if the person has any of the following:
 A bone projecting through the skin
 A known or suspected dislocation or broken bone
 An area below the injured joint that is pale, cold, clammy, or blue
 Severe bleeding
 Signs of infection, such as warmth or redness at the injured site, pus, or a fever

Dislocations

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Dislocation

You should expect that:

 Accompanied by numbness or tingling at the joint or beyond it

 Visibly out of place, discolored, or misshapen

 Do NOT give the person anything by mouth.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 A bone projecting through the skin

 A known or suspected dislocation or broken bone

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