Joint dislocation, or luxation (Latin: luxatio), occurs when bones in a joint

Joint

A joint is the location at which two or more bones make contact. They are constructed to allow movement and provide mechanical support, and are classified structurally and functionally.-Classification:...

 become displaced or misaligned. It is often caused by a sudden impact to the joint. The ligament

Ligament

In anatomy, the term ligament is used to denote any of three types of structures. Most commonly, it refers to fibrous tissue that connects bones to other bones and is also known as articular ligament, articular larua, fibrous ligament, or true ligament.Ligament can also refer to:* Peritoneal...

s always become damaged as a result of a dislocation. A subluxation

Subluxation

A subluxation may have different meanings, depending on the medical specialty involved. It implies the presence of an incomplete or partial dislocation of a joint or organ. The World Health Organization defines both the medical subluxation and the chiropractic subluxation...

 is a partial dislocation.

A crystalline lens Luxation can also occur in the eye; known as Ectopia lentis

Ectopia lentis

Ectopia lentis is a displacement or malposition of the eye's crystalline lens from its normal location. A partial dislocation of a lens is termed lens subluxation or subluxated lens; a complete dislocation of a lens is termed lens luxation or luxated lens.-Ectopia lentis in dogs and cats:Although...

, it is a displacement or malposition of the eye's crystalline lens from its normal location.

Treatment

A dislocated joint usually can only be successfully 'reduced' into its normal position by a trained medical professional. Trying to reduce a joint without any training could result in making the injury substantially worse.

X-rays are usually taken to confirm a diagnosis and detect any fractures which may also have occurred at the time of dislocation. A dislocation is easily seen on an X-ray.

Once a diagnosis is confirmed, the joint is usually manipulated back into position. This can be a very painful process, therefore this is typically done either in the emergency department

Emergency department

An emergency department , also known as accident & emergency , emergency room , emergency ward , or casualty department is a medical treatment facility specialising in acute care of patients who present without prior appointment, either by their own means or by ambulance...

 under sedation

Sedation

Sedation is the reduction of irritability or agitation by administration of sedative drugs, generally to facilitate a medical procedure or diagnostic procedure...

 or in an operating room under a general anaesthetic

General anaesthetic

A general anaesthetic is a drug that brings about a reversible loss of consciousness. These drugs are generally administered by an anaesthesia provider to induce or maintain general anaesthesia to facilitate surgery...

.

It is important the joint is reduced as soon as possible, as in the state of dislocation, the blood supply to the joint (or distal anatomy) may be compromised. This is especially true in the case of a dislocated ankle, due to the anatomy of the blood supply to the foot.

Shoulder injuries can also be surgically stabilized, depending on the severity, using arthroscopic surgery

Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure in which an examination and sometimes treatment of damage of the interior of a joint is performed using an arthroscope, a type of endoscope that is inserted into the joint through a small incision...

.

Some joints are more at risk of becoming dislocated again after an initial injury. This is due to the weakening of the muscles and ligaments which hold the joint in place. The shoulder is a prime example of this. Any shoulder dislocation should be followed up with thorough physiotherapy.

In some medical conditions, joint dislocations are frequent and spontaneous, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

Ehlers–Danlos syndrome is a group of inherited connective tissue disorders, caused by a defect in the synthesis of collagen . The collagen in connective tissue helps tissues to resist deformation...

 and congenital hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia (human)

Hip dysplasia, developmental dysplasia of the hip or congenital dysplasia of the hip is a congenital or acquired deformation or misalignment of the hip joint.-Terminology:...

.

After care

After a dislocation, injured joints are usually held in place by a splint

Splint (medicine)

A splint is a device used for support or immobilization of limbs or of the spine.It can be used:* By the emergency medical services or by volunteer first responders, to immobilize a fractured limb before the transportation; it is then a temporary immobilization;* By allied health professionals such...

 (for straight joints like fingers and toes) or a bandage

Bandage

A bandage is a piece of material used either to support a medical device such as a dressing or splint, or on its own to provide support to the body; they can also be used to restrict a part of the body. During heavy bleeding or following a poisonous bite it is important to slow the flow of blood,...

 (for complex joints like shoulders). Additionally, the joint muscles, tendons and ligaments must also be strengthened. This is usually done through a course of physiotherapy, which will also help reduce the chances of repeated dislocations of the same joint.

Epidemiology

Although it is possible for any joint to become subluxed or dislocated, the most common sites it is seen in the human body are:

• Shoulder
  Shoulder
  The human shoulder is made up of three bones: the clavicle , the scapula , and the humerus as well as associated muscles, ligaments and tendons. The articulations between the bones of the shoulder make up the shoulder joints. The major joint of the shoulder is the glenohumeral joint, which...
  
  s (see Dislocated shoulder
  Dislocated shoulder
  A dislocated shoulder occurs when the humerus separates from the scapula at the glenohumeral joint. The shoulder joint has the greatest range of motion of any joint in the body and as a result is particularly susceptible to dislocation and subluxation. Approximately half of major joint...
  
  ),
• Finger
  Finger
  A finger is a limb of the human body and a type of digit, an organ of manipulation and sensation found in the hands of humans and other primates....
  
  s
• Knee
  Knee
  The knee joint joins the thigh with the leg and consists of two articulations: one between the fibula and tibia, and one between the femur and patella. It is the largest joint in the human body and is very complicated. The knee is a mobile trocho-ginglymus , which permits flexion and extension as...
  
  s
• Wrist
  Wrist
  In human anatomy, the wrist is variously defined as 1) the carpus or carpal bones, the complex of eight bones forming the proximal skeletal segment of the hand;...
  
  s (most likely be accompanied by a fracture)
• Elbow
  Elbow
  The human elbow is the region surrounding the elbow-joint—the ginglymus or hinge joint in the middle of the arm. Three bones form the elbow joint: the humerus of the upper arm, and the paired radius and ulna of the forearm....
  
  s (if ulnar most likely accompanied by a fracture, if radial most likely not accompanied by a fracture)

See also

• Projectional radiography
  Projectional radiography
  Projectional radiography or plain film radiography is the practice of producing two-dimensional images using x-ray radiation. Radiographic exams are typically performed by Radiologic Technologists, highly trained medical professionals who specialize in the usage of radiographic equipment, patient...
  
  
• Trauma
  Physical trauma
  Trauma refers to "a body wound or shock produced by sudden physical injury, as from violence or accident." It can also be described as "a physical wound or injury, such as a fracture or blow." Major trauma can result in secondary complications such as circulatory shock, respiratory failure and death...
  
  
• Physiotherapy
• Buddy wrapping
  Buddy wrapping
  Buddy wrapping or buddy taping is the act of bandaging a damaged finger or toe together with a healthy one. The bandage is usually stiff, not allowing the digits to move; the healthy digit acts as a splint, keeping the damaged one in a natural position for healing...