17873 Dislocation

Overview

A joint dislocation happens when strong force pushes the bones of a joint out of their normal position. It injures the joint’s surrounding tissues, including ligaments, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. This is an emergency and needs prompt medical care.

Yes, dislocations are fairly common. The shoulder is the joint that dislocates most often, especially in active young adults.

Anyone can dislocate a joint, but it is more likely in athletes, in people who have fallen, and in older adults who have weaker supporting tissues.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Visible deformity — the joint looks out of place or twisted
• Severe pain, especially when you try to move the joint
• Swelling and bruising around the joint
• Numbness or tingling below the injury
• Unable to move the joint or put weight on it normally

Symptoms in children

• A child may cry or refuse to use the limb
• The arm or leg may look bent or shorter than usual
• Pain and swelling that worsens when touched
• You may hear or feel a 'pop' when the injury happens

Symptoms in older adults

• Very painful joint that cannot move
• An obvious lump or hollow where the joint normally sits
• Bruising may appear slowly over a day or two
• Pain may make older adults feel faint or unsteady, raising the risk of another fall

Causes

Main causes

• Falls onto an outstretched arm, hand, or leg
• Sports injuries, such as contact, skiing, cycling, or skating accidents
• Car accidents or other sudden trauma
• A twist or pull that forces a joint beyond its normal range

Risk factors

• Playing contact or high-impact sports
• Having dislocated a joint before
• Having naturally loose ligaments or joints
• Being older and at higher risk of falls
• Doing repeated overhead or throwing movements

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Any suspected dislocation should be evaluated right away at a hospital or urgent care centre
• If you have severe pain, a visibly deformed joint, or numbness and tingling, seek care immediately

Book a routine appointment if:

• If a joint repeatedly gives way or dislocates even with minor movement, ask your GP about a referral to physiotherapy or orthopaedic care
• After your initial treatment, follow up with your GP or practice nurse for a safe rehabilitation plan

Diagnosis

A doctor or emergency clinician will ask about your injury, examine the joint, and check your blood flow and nerve function nearby. They will gently look for tenderness, swelling, and ability to move.

Tests that may be done

• An X-ray is the most common test — it confirms the dislocation and shows if any bones are broken
• Sometimes a CT or MRI scan is needed if the injury is complex, if the joint does not heal as expected, or if there is concern about soft tissue or nerve damage

What to expect at your appointment

A clinician will put the joint back into place using a procedure called 'reduction.' You will usually receive pain relief and sometimes medicine to relax your muscles. After the joint is back in place, another X-ray is often taken, and you will be given a sling, splint, or brace to keep the joint still while it heals.

Treatment

Treatment begins with safely putting the joint back into position. After that, the joint needs rest, swelling management, and gradual movement exercises as you recover. Your team will tell you how long to keep the joint still and when to start physiotherapy.

Self-care at home

• Rest the joint and use a sling, splint, or brace exactly as your clinician advises
• Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth for 15–20 minutes at a time, several times a day
• Keep the joint raised above heart level when you can to reduce swelling
• Ask your pharmacist or doctor what pain relief is safe for you
• Do not force movement — follow your physiotherapist’s plan

Medical treatments

A healthcare professional will put the joint back in place, usually with pain relief and sometimes a sedative to help you relax. After reduction, you may receive a sling, cast, or brace. Depending on the joint, you may be referred to a physiotherapist or an orthopaedic specialist. Anti-inflammatory medicines may be used if your doctor thinks they are appropriate for you.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is generally not needed for a first-time dislocation. Your doctor may discuss surgery if the joint remains unstable after physiotherapy, if you have repeated dislocations, or if there is severe damage to the joint, ligaments, or surrounding structures.

Living with this condition

Be gentle with the healing joint. Use your sling or brace for as long as advised, and do not rush back to heavy lifting or sports. Ask your clinician before you drive, return to work, or start exercise.

Lifestyle tips

• Learn proper lifting and carrying techniques to protect the healing joint
• Strengthen the muscles around the joint with exercises prescribed by your physiotherapist
• Make your home safer to avoid slips and falls while you recover
• Wear protective equipment during contact sports once you are cleared to play

Diet and exercise

Eat a balanced diet with enough calcium and vitamin D to keep your bones strong. Gentle low-impact exercise, like walking or swimming, can help you stay fit without stressing the healing joint. Your physiotherapist can tell you when it is safe to return to your usual exercise routine.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

A dislocation can be stressful and painful. You may feel anxious, frustrated, or low during your recovery. These feelings are common. If they become overwhelming, talk to your healthcare team — they can support you and help you set realistic goals.

Prevention

You can lower your risk by strengthening the muscles around your joints, using proper technique in sports, warming up before activity, and making your home safer to prevent falls.

Complications

If left untreated

• The joint may become unstable and dislocate again more easily
• Nerve or blood vessel damage can lead to long-term numbness, weakness, or poor circulation
• Cartilage inside the joint can be damaged, raising the risk of arthritis later
• An undiscovered fracture or soft-tissue injury may heal poorly
• Chronic pain and limited movement can develop

Long-term outlook

With prompt and proper treatment, most people recover very well. Your joint may feel stiff for a few weeks, but with steady physiotherapy, movement and strength usually return within a few months. Following your clinician’s advice is the best way to protect your joint and prevent further problems.

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