Joint dislocations

A joint dislocation occurs when the bones in a joint are forced out of their normal position. Dislocations most often affect the shoulder, fingers, elbow, kneecap, hip or jaw. Injuries can range from mild, with limited tissue damage, to more complex cases involving ligaments, nerves or blood vessels.

Signs and Symptoms

• Sudden, severe joint pain
• Visible deformity or the joint appearing out of place
• Inability to move the joint or bear weight
• Swelling or bruising
• Numbness, tingling or weakness if nerves are involved

Typical Causes and Risk Factors

• Direct trauma, such as falls, sports injuries or car accidents
• Twisting injuries
• Seizures or electrical shock, which can cause shoulder or hip dislocations
• Previous dislocations or chronic joint instability
• Connective tissue disorders that loosen ligaments
• Participation in contact or high-risk sports

How Dislocations Are Diagnosed
Diagnosis begins with a review of how the injury occurred and a careful physical exam, including checks of circulation and nerve function. X-rays confirm the dislocation and identify fractures. CT scans or MRI may be used to evaluate complex injuries or soft tissue damage.

Treatment and Initial Care
If a dislocation is suspected, keep the joint still, apply ice and seek medical care right away. Do not attempt to put the joint back yourself, as this can cause serious injury.

At TidalHealth, treatment includes pain control and, if needed, sedation before gently realigning the joint. Follow-up imaging confirms proper positioning. Recovery often involves a sling, splint or brace, pain management and physical therapy. Surgery may be needed if the joint cannot be realigned, fractures are present or instability continues.

Possible Complications

• Nerve or blood vessel injury
• Broken bones
• Repeated dislocations or chronic instability
• Joint stiffness
• Post-traumatic arthritis

Recovery depends on the joint involved, injury severity and participation in rehabilitation.

When to Seek Emergency Care
Get immediate care if the joint is visibly deformed, you cannot move it, pain is severe, the limb feels numb or cold, or there are signs of poor blood flow. Prompt treatment lowers the risk of long-term problems.

How serious is a dislocated joint?
Severity ranges from a painful but manageable injury to a medical emergency. Changes in color, temperature, sensation or pulse require urgent care.

Can I put a dislocated joint back in myself?
No. Attempting to do so can damage nerves, blood vessels and bones. Joint realignment should only be done by trained medical professionals.

How is a dislocation treated?
Treatment includes joint reduction, immobilization, pain control and rehabilitation. Surgery may be needed for fractures, severe tissue damage or ongoing instability.

How long does recovery take?
Recovery varies by joint and injury severity. Finger dislocations may heal in weeks, while shoulder or hip dislocations can take months. Your care team will guide your recovery.

Will a dislocated joint happen again?
Some joints, especially the shoulder, are more prone to repeat dislocations. Recurrent instability may require surgical treatment.

What should I expect in the emergency department?
You will receive a physical exam, nerve and circulation checks and imaging. Pain medication and sedation may be used before realignment. Afterward, imaging confirms alignment and you will receive care instructions.

How can I prevent future dislocations?
Strengthen and stabilize the joint through physical therapy
Use protective equipment during sports
Reduce fall risks
Manage conditions that affect joint stability

When should I see a specialist or surgeon?
See a TidalHealth orthopedic specialist for repeated dislocations, persistent pain or instability, or imaging that shows fractures or major tissue injury.

What are signs of complications after treatment?
Seek immediate care for increasing pain, swelling, numbness, weakness, a pale or cold limb, loss of pulse, fever or signs of infection after surgery.