Dislocations

Your joints fit perfectly together to allow easy, seamless movement. When your bone moves out of its natural position, a dislocation occurs. Any of your joints can become dislocated, but shoulder dislocations are the most common.

With a dedicated lower extremity trauma specialist, our multidisciplinary team is trained in diagnosing and treating partial and complete dislocations. Complete dislocations occur when two joints completely separate; partial dislocations are slight misalignments of the joints. Dislocations of both types need immediate treatment to put the joints back in place and preserve its function. Call (574) 534-2548 to make an appointment for integrative bone care.

Symptoms of a dislocation

Pain, whether mild or severe, is a common symptom of a joint dislocation.
 
When your joint completely or partially separates, you may also notice:

• Inability to move the joint
• Bruising
• Swelling
• Muscle spasms
• Tingling, weakness or numbness below the joint

These are serious symptoms. Without prompt and proper treatment, a dislocated joint can lead to chronic orthopedic problems in the future.

What causes a dislocated shoulder and other types of joint dislocations

Forcefully twisting a joint is the primary cause of a joint dislocation. Sports injuries, accidents and falling are all reasons a joint can become dislocated. People who have loose connective tissue – the tissue bands that attach bones to one another – have a higher risk of dislocating one of their joints.

If you have a higher risk for dislocations, talk to your orthopedic doctor about ways you can protect your joints.

Preventing and treating dislocations at Goshen Orthopedics

Most shoulder dislocations can be healed with a reduction maneuver during which your doctor slowly and gently moves the joint back in place. He or she will use pain medicine and sedatives to keep you comfortable during your treatment.

If you have recurrent dislocations or if your dislocation affects nearby ligaments, your doctor may recommend surgery. Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that can fix your dislocation with the use of a small incision. Ask your doctor if you’re a good candidate for less invasive treatment options.

After your treatment, orthopedic physical therapy at Goshen Rehabilitation can help you restore normal strength and prevent dislocations in the future.