Dislocation - what is it? You will learn the answer to the question from the article. In addition, we will tell you about what types of dislocation are, what is their cause, symptoms, treatment, etc.
general information
A dislocation is a broken joint of the articular surfaces of various bones. As a rule, it arises due to destructive processes occurring in the joints (for example, due to arthritis, arthrosis, etc.), or injury.
A dislocation is a deviation that a person most often encounters after falls or heavy blows. Athletes of such sports as football, volleyball, hockey and others make up a special risk group. In addition, dislocations very often occur in people whose activity involves frequent falls (ice skating, skiing, climbing and others).
The main types of deviations
Dislocation of the joint is classified by its degree of displacement, origin and location. Let's consider them in more detail.
- By degree of bias. Such a dislocation of the joint can be complete and incomplete. The first type involves a complete divergence of the ends of the joints. As for the second, in this case, the surfaces of the joints can only partially touch.
- By origin. Dislocation is a deviation that can not only be acquired as a result of bumps, falls and other things, but also be congenital. As a rule, such a pathology occurs due to a violation of the intrauterine development of the fetus.
We decided to pay special attention to the types of dislocation at the location of the joint.
By location
Most often, traumatic dislocations occur in the shoulder, fingers, forearm, lower jaw and thigh. Let's consider them in more detail.
- Shoulder dislocation. It is characterized by symptoms such as severe pain, a change in the shape of the shoulder joint compared to a healthy one, as well as a complete lack of movement.
- Dislocation of the fingers. With this deviation, a person feels a sharp pain, and also notices the unnatural position of the finger. It seems to bulge out of the joint. Moreover, any of his movements are completely absent.
- Dislocation of the forearm. The patient feels severe pain in the elbow joint, which sometimes extends to the fingers. In this case, the forearm may “hang”. The area of the elbow joint in the patient is noticeably deformed and swollen. Sometimes there are signs of redness on it.
- Hip dislocation. Such a deviation can only occur under the influence of a large force. Signs are sharp pain and stiffness of the joint. The knee of the injured person can be turned inward, to a healthy leg, or brought to it. When treating such a deviation, patients are advised to lie on their backs or on their healthy side.
- Dislocation of the lower jaw. Such a pathology can be two- or one-sided. As a rule, it occurs with excessive opening of the oral cavity (for example, when biting off a large piece, yawning and other movements). Symptoms of bilateral dislocation of the jaw are as follows: the person’s mouth is wide open, and the jaw bone is as if advanced. However, speech and swallowing are difficult. With a unilateral deviation, a half-open and, as it were, twisted mouth is observed.
Other types of dislocations
In addition, dislocations can be closed and open. Closed are a deviation without rupture of the skin and tissues. As for open, then, as a rule, such dislocations are accompanied by the formation of visible wounds.
Damage to blood vessels, muscles, tendons, bones or nerves makes this deviation complicated. If it arose as a result of an insignificant effect, then they talk about the usual dislocation.
It should also be noted that there is a deviation that is pathological in nature. Very often it includes dislocation of the hip and shoulder joint. If the surrounding muscles are prone to paresis or paralysis, then there is a paralytic deviation.
The most common causes
As we said above, dislocation of the arms, legs, hips, shoulders and other joints can be acquired and congenital. Also, such a deviation can occur due to some disease (for example, arthrosis, osteomyelitis, arthritis, poliomyelitis and others). But in most cases, this pathology is associated with indirect injuries and sudden movements that exceed the rate of joint mobility. As for dislocations from direct injury, they are much less common.
The main symptoms of deviation
Dislocation of the hip, shoulder joint cannot but attract attention. However, it should be noted that the symptoms of such a deviation depend on its type. For example, a congenital dislocation of the hip joint is manifested in the form of impaired gait. This is due to the fact that the process of abduction of the lower limb becomes limited, and the gluteal folds become asymmetric. Over time, you may notice that the child's legs have different lengths, which, of course, is fraught with lameness.
If the dislocation of the hip joint is bilateral, then the gait becomes a duck. Such a symptom may appear already in the lower grades of high school.
It should also be noted that the shoulder dislocation, as well as the dislocation of the knee joint and others, is almost always accompanied by severe pain syndromes, the appearance of fillings, swelling and immobility.
First aid for dislocation
Everyone needs to know how to provide first aid for a dislocation. After all, no one is safe from the occurrence of such a deviation. This is especially true for young mothers who have hyperactive children.
If your child or loved one dislocated the joint, then first of all this place should be immobilized, that is, immobilized. For example, if you damaged the lower or upper limb, then it is recommended to fix it with a scarf or lay a splint.
Also, first aid for dislocation requires the use of a cold compress. To do this, it is recommended to take an ice pack or just a bottle filled with cold water, and then gently attach it to the damaged area.
Is it possible to correct on my own?
If the dislocation has arisen as a result of a minor physical impact, and you are completely sure that the victim’s bone is not damaged, then you can straighten the joint yourself. It is recommended to do this back to the mechanism of injury.
If you doubt that the patient does not have bone damage, then it is best to entrust the procedure of the reduction to an experienced doctor. Otherwise, you can injure the tissue even more than aggravate the patient’s already painful condition.
After the doctor corrects the dislocated joint, he is obliged to fix the limb using a splint or bandage, which is not recommended to be removed for 1-2 weeks.
By the way, it should also be noted that in no case hot compresses should be applied to the dislocation of any joint.
Dislocation treatment
The process of treating a traumatic dislocation of the joint (after the doctor sets it up) consists in prescribing physiotherapeutic manipulations. As a rule, they include therapeutic gymnastics, massage, acupuncture and so on. As for pathological dislocations, sometimes they require surgical intervention in order to restore the joint. In addition, it is necessary to treat the underlying disease, which became the cause of the pathology.
How long does a person recover?
Usually a full restoration of the functions of a damaged limb occurs after one month. So that this period does not drag on, doctors recommend minimizing the load on the joint.
If the dislocation is congenital, then it should be treated differently. Therapy is recommended to be started as soon as possible. The optimal age of the child is up to two years. If you miss this moment from view, then the patient may need a long application of special tires, as well as regular wearing of orthopedic shoes or even surgical intervention.