Joint Dislocation

Joint dislocation occurs when the bones of your joint move out of their proper positions. At North Point Orthopaedics in Munster and Crown Point, Indiana, the joint specialists can quickly identify your problem and guide your joint back to its proper position to ease your pain and function issues. Call the office in your area or click on the online scheduling link for help now.

What is joint dislocation?

Joints are the junction of two or more bones, so a joint dislocation occurs when the ends of those bones move out of place. Joint dislocations happen suddenly, with the most common ways to dislocate a joint including sports injuries, falls, or direct blows to the joint. Joint dislocation can also occur as a complication of hip replacement surgery. 

What are the symptoms of a joint dislocation?

Joint dislocation symptoms come on suddenly. You may experience: 

• Severe pain
• Swelling
• Skin discoloration above and around the joint
• Reduced range of movement
• Visible change in joint appearance
• Joint instability (feeling like the joint can give out easily)

Joint dislocation symptoms can mimic a broken bone, so it can be hard to know which problem you’re dealing with until you visit North Point Orthopaedics. If you suspect that you might have a joint dislocation, avoid using the joint as much as possible. 

How is joint dislocation diagnosed?

To diagnose a dislocated joint, your North Point Orthopaedics provider carefully examines the joint. You’ll have imaging tests like X-rays or an MRI so your provider can examine the damage to the joint and the tissues around it.

How is joint dislocation treated?

Joint dislocation treatment may take a few different paths based on your situation. Common treatments include: 

Manipulation

Manipulation is the process of maneuvering your dislocated bones back where they belong. Because this process can be uncomfortable, you receive a pain reliever or a local anesthetic before the procedure. 

Immobilization

You may need to wear a splint or other type of immobilization device to keep your joint in its proper position following manipulation. 

Surgery

While manipulation, immobilization, and physical therapy are often sufficient to correct a joint dislocation, situations involving damage to your bones or soft tissues may require surgery. 

Your North Point Orthopaedics surgeon can restore blood vessels, nerves, muscles, ligaments, and bones damaged at the time of your dislocation. 

As you recover, physical therapy helps you to build strength and recapture your range of motion. Following your recovery plan closely can guide you back to your pre-injury wellness, and it also helps you to avoid recurrent joint dislocations. 

If you suspect that you have a joint dislocation, call the North Point Orthopaedics office nearest to you or click on the online scheduling tool now.