Download Dislocations

Dislocations
By Glen Estrosos
Etiology / Pathophysiology
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A joint is a point where two or more of your
bones come together.
A dislocation is an injury to your joint in which
the ends of your bones are forced from their
normal positions.
A dislocation may be congenital, caused by a
disease process, or caused by trauma.
Signs and symptoms
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Some dislocations may or may not be visible.
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Swollen or discolored
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Intensely painful
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Immovable
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Loss of sensation
When to seek medical advice
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It can be difficult to tell a broken bone from a
dislocated bone.
Don't move the joint. Splint or sling the
affected joint in its current position. Don't try
to move a dislocated joint or force it back into
place. This can damage the joint and its
surrounding muscles, ligaments, nerves or
blood vessels.
When to seek medical advice (cont)
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Ice the injured joint. Applying ice to the
injured joint can help reduce pain and
swelling by controlling internal bleeding and
the buildup of fluids in and around the injured
joint.
Analgesics should be administered as
perscribed by the physician as needed.
Screening and diagnosis
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X-ray. An X-ray of your joint may reveal
broken bones or other damage to your joint.
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MRI. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can
help your doctor assess damage to the soft
tissue structures around a dislocated joint.