Dislocation Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
A dislocation occurs when a bone shifts in position or moves out of its joint. Dislocations can occur in any joint – such as the knee, hip, heel, and shoulder. For example, a dislocated shoulder is where the upper arm bone sticks out of the shoulder joint. Dislocation is an emergency case because if left alone it can cause damage to ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels.
Dislocations can occur in all walks of life, but older people are more at risk due to their lack of mobility and easier falls. Children are also at risk because they often play unnoticed. People who do sports in an inappropriate way are also at risk of dislocation.
Symptom
Dislocations are easily recognized by sight. Symptoms include:
1. odd or oddly shaped joints
2. swollen
3. bruising or redness
4. unable to move the joint
5. pain when moving
6. numbness or numbness around the dislocated area
7. tingling
Reason
Dislocations are caused by joints that experience unexpected or unbalanced impacts. For example, when someone falls or experiences a hard blow to the joint area.
Diagnosis
Doctors can determine the diagnosis of dislocation from a direct physical examination. Investigations such as X-rays are often done to confirm the diagnosis and check for fractures. In rare cases, an MRI examination may be needed.
Treatment
The choice of treatment depends on the location and severity of the dislocated joint. The initial stage of treatment is RICE, namely:
- Rest, which is resting the dislocated joint
- Ice, which cools the dislocated joint
- Compression, namely pressing the dislocated joint
- Elevation, namely raising or elevating the dislocated joint
In some cases, the joint can return on its own after RICE. If not, there are several other treatment options, including:
- manipulate or reposition
The doctor will manipulate or restore the position of the bones to the joints. Before that, the doctor will give an anesthetic or anesthetic to relax the muscles and keep the patient comfortable.
- immobilization
After the joint returns to normal, immobilization is important to prevent the joint from moving so it heals completely. The patient may use a tube, splint or cast for several weeks depending on the severity of the dislocation.
- drugs
After the joint is normal, the patient usually feels no pain. However, pain medications and muscle relaxants may be given as support.
- surgery
When the dislocation involves nerves and blood vessels or doctors can’t reposition it, surgery may be needed. Surgery is also needed for patients who frequently experience dislocations in the same location. In rare cases, a joint replacement may be required.
- rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is the final stage of treatment. The goal of rehabilitation is to increase joint strength and restore the joint range of motion. It is very important that the rehabilitation is carried out slowly so as not to injure the joint.
Prevention
Dislocations can be prevented by using safe movements and avoiding falls. Joints that have been dislocated before can be dislocated again in the future. If you have been dislocated before, you have to be more careful when moving.