Dislocation (medicine)

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Joint dislocation (Latin: luxatio) ^[1] occurs when bones in a joint become displaced or misaligned. It is often caused by a sudden impact to the joint. The ligaments almost always become damaged as a result of a dislocation.

Once a joint is dislocated, it may reduce (return to its proper position) on its own, or it may require physical manipulation. Such manipulation, if improperly attempted, can greatly increase the severity of the injury. However delay in treatment of a dislocation can affect blood supply, ligaments, bone and joint structures, sometimes resulting in permanent disability. As with most medical conditions; seek expert help, as soon as possible. Once reduction is achieved, the joint may be held in place through a splint (for straight joints like fingers and toes) or a bandage (for complex joints like shoulders).

The shoulders, fingers, and wrists are all common places for a dislocation to occur.

Having a dislocation increases the risk of a re-occurence. Constant dislocations can be treated via surgery or strengthening the structures surrounding the dislocated area, normally through exercise.

A subluxation is a partial dislocation.

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