Dislocations

Dislocations are usually caused by a sudden impact to the joint. This usually occurs following a blow, fall, or other trauma. It may be hard to tell a dislocated bone from a broken bone. Both are an emergency. You will need the same first aid treatment.

Most dislocations can be treated in a doctor’s office or emergency room.

When treated early, most dislocations will not result in permanent injury.

• Injuries to the surrounding tissues generally take three to six weeks to heal. Sometimes, surgery to repair a torn ligament 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. Follow-up with an orthopedic surgeon is recommended after a dislocation.

Symptoms

A dislocated joint may be:

• Accompanied by numbness or tingling at the joint or beyond it
• Intensely painful, especially if you try to use the joint or bear weight on it
• Limited in movement
• Swollen or bruised
• Visibly out of place, discolored, or misshapen

Nursemaid’s elbow is a partial dislocation common in toddlers. The main symptom is refusal to use the arm. Nursemaid’s elbow can be easily treated in a doctor’s office.

Prevention

Preventing injuries in children:

• Create a safe environment around your home.
• Pay careful attention to preventing falls by gating stairways and keeping windows closed and locked.
• Supervise children carefully. There is no substitute for close supervision no matter how safe the environment or situation appears to be.
• Teach children how to be safe and look out for themselves.

Preventing dislocations in adults:

• Avoid falls by not standing on chairs, countertops, or other unstable objects.
• Eliminate throw rugs, especially for the elderly.
• Wear protective gear when participating in contact sports.

For all age groups:

• Keep a first aid kit handy.
• Remove electrical cords from floor surfaces.
• Use handrails on staircases.
• Use nonskid mats on the bottom of the bathtubs and avoid bath oils.