A dislocation is a condition when a bone moves out of or shifts from its normal position on joints. All joints in the body can be dislocated, especially when there is a collision due to a driving accident or a fall while exercising.
Dislocations most commonly occur in the shoulders and fingers, although dislocations can occur in any joint, including the knee, elbow, jaw, and hip.
Causes of Dislocation
A dislocation occurs when a joint is subjected to a strong impact or pressure. Conditions that can cause a dislocation include:
- Falls, for example as a result of slipping
- Motor vehicle accident
- Injuries from sports that involve physical contact, such as soccer or martial arts
Dislocation risk factors
Dislocation can happen to anyone, but there are several factors that can increase a person's risk of developing this condition, namely:
- Doing sports that involve physical contact
- Driving by motor vehicle
- Have weak muscles and balance, for example from suffering from muscular dystrophy
- Old age or still a child
Symptoms of Dislocation
A joint is an area where two or more bones meet. Joints are made up of connective tissue and cartilage, and serve as links between bones when they move.
This condition can cause symptoms and complaints in the form of:
- Aches and pains in the injured joint
- Joint swelling and bruising
- The injured joint becomes red or black
- Joint shape becomes abnormal
- Pain when moving
- Numbness in the injured joint
When to go to the doctor
Dislocations should be treated quickly, otherwise a number of serious complications can arise. One of them is nerve damage in the joint area.
Therefore, see a doctor immediately if symptoms or signs of dislocation occur. As first aid, cold compress the dislocated joint and keep it from moving.
Dislocation Diagnosis
To diagnose a dislocation, the doctor will ask questions about the patient's symptoms and recent activities that have the potential to cause the dislocation. The doctor will also perform a physical examination by looking at the part of the joint suspected of having dislocated, as well as checking the blood circulation in that part.
To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor may perform several supporting examinations, such as:
- X-rays, to confirm the presence of dislocation or other damage that may occur in the joint
- MRI, to help doctors check for damage to the soft tissue structures around the dislocated joint
Dislocation Treatment
Treatment depends on the location of the dislocated joint and its severity. Broadly speaking, dislocation treatment aims to return the bone that is out or shifted to its original position and prevent damage to nerves or blood vessels around the joint.
The following are treatment methods that can be used to treat dislocations:
Drugs
Your doctor may prescribe pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, to reduce pain and inflammation caused by a dislocation.
Medical treatment
Medical treatments that can be given to treat dislocations include:
- Reduction action, to return the bones to their normal position
- Immobilization, to support bones and prevent the movement of joints that have returned to their normal position, so that recovery can be faster
- Surgery, to treat a dislocation that cannot be repaired with reduction or there has been damage to the blood vessels, nerves, or ligaments around the joint
- Rehabilitation, to strengthen joints and train patients to be able to move as usual
Self care
After the dislocation is treated by a doctor, there are several self-care treatments that can be done at home to speed up the recovery process while reducing any discomfort that may arise. Some of these treatments are:
- Compress the joint with ice or warm water for 15-20 minutes several times a day
- Resting dislocated joints and avoiding painful movements
- Exercise the joints with light movements and do it slowly
Dislocation Complications
Dislocations that are not treated immediately can cause complications such as:
- Tearing of muscles, ligaments, and tendons in joints
- Damage to nerves or blood vessels in the joint area
- Inflammation of the joints
- Repeated dislocation
Prevention Disolation
Follow these steps to prevent dislocations from occurring:
- Be careful and always be aware of accidents or falls while on the move.
- Use protective equipment when exercising.
- Avoid standing on unstable places, such as chairs.
- Cover the floor of the house with a non-slip carpet.
- Do exercise regularly to improve balance and muscle strength of the body.
In children, dislocations can be prevented in the following ways:
- Make sure as much as possible there are no items or areas of the house that can harm the child.
- Pay attention and supervise children when playing.
- Teach children about safe behavior when doing activities or playing.
- Install a safety door on the stairs so that children do not fall because they are playing on the stairs.