What are the common causes of pinky finger dislocation. How can you recognize the symptoms of a dislocated pinky finger. What treatment options are available for pinky finger dislocations. When should you seek medical attention for a dislocated pinky finger. How long does recovery from a pinky finger dislocation typically take.

Understanding Pinky Finger Dislocations: An Overview

Finger dislocations are common injuries that occur when the bones of a finger are forced out of their normal position. While any finger can be affected, the pinky finger is particularly susceptible due to its location on the outer edge of the hand. A dislocated pinky finger can be painful and debilitating, impacting daily activities and requiring prompt medical attention.

Pinky finger dislocations typically involve the middle knuckle, also known as the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint. This joint is crucial for finger flexibility and function, making its dislocation a significant concern. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for pinky finger dislocations is essential for proper management and recovery.

Common Causes of Pinky Finger Dislocations

Pinky finger dislocations often result from sudden, forceful impacts or excessive bending of the finger. Some common causes include:

• Sports injuries, especially in ball games like basketball, volleyball, or baseball
• Falls onto an outstretched hand
• Accidents involving machinery or tools
• Forceful snagging of the finger on clothing or equipment
• Motor vehicle accidents

Is there a specific mechanism that leads to pinky finger dislocations? The pinky finger is often dislocated when a “jamming” force is applied to its tip, or when it is forcefully hyperextended. This can happen when catching a ball awkwardly or when the finger gets caught in an opponent’s jersey during sports activities.

Recognizing the Symptoms of a Dislocated Pinky Finger

Identifying a dislocated pinky finger is crucial for seeking timely medical attention. The symptoms are usually quite apparent and may include:

• Visible deformity or misalignment of the finger
• Severe pain, especially when attempting to move the finger
• Swelling and bruising around the affected joint
• Inability to bend or straighten the finger
• Numbness or tingling in severe cases
• Pale or bluish discoloration of the finger

Can a dislocated pinky finger be mistaken for other injuries? While the symptoms of a dislocated pinky are often distinct, they can sometimes be confused with a severe sprain or fracture. Therefore, professional medical evaluation is essential for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Immediate First Aid for a Dislocated Pinky Finger

While it’s crucial to seek medical attention for a dislocated pinky finger, there are some immediate steps you can take to minimize further damage and alleviate pain:

1. Remove any rings or jewelry from the affected hand immediately to prevent complications from swelling.
2. Apply an ice pack to the injured finger to reduce swelling and numb the pain. Wrap the ice in a cloth to protect the skin and apply for 15-20 minutes at a time.
3. Elevate the hand above heart level to help reduce swelling.
4. Immobilize the finger by gently splinting it to an adjacent finger using medical tape. Do not attempt to realign the joint yourself.
5. Take over-the-counter pain medication if needed, following the recommended dosage.

Should you attempt to “pop” a dislocated pinky finger back into place? It’s strongly advised against attempting to relocate a dislocated finger yourself. Improper manipulation can lead to further injury, including damage to blood vessels, nerves, or ligaments. Always seek professional medical care for proper treatment.

Medical Evaluation and Diagnosis of Pinky Finger Dislocations

When you arrive at a medical facility with a suspected pinky finger dislocation, the healthcare provider will conduct a thorough evaluation. This typically includes:

• Physical examination of the affected finger and hand
• Assessment of finger alignment, range of motion, and neurovascular status
• X-rays to confirm the dislocation and check for associated fractures
• In some cases, additional imaging such as MRI or CT scans may be required to assess soft tissue damage

Why are X-rays necessary for diagnosing a dislocated pinky finger? X-rays serve two crucial purposes: they confirm the presence and extent of the dislocation, and they help identify any concurrent fractures or bone chips that may complicate treatment. This information is vital for determining the most appropriate course of action.

Treatment Options for Pinky Finger Dislocations

The treatment for a dislocated pinky finger depends on the severity of the injury and whether there are any associated complications. Common treatment approaches include:

Closed Reduction

In many cases, a simple dislocation can be treated with closed reduction. This procedure involves:

• Administering local anesthesia to numb the affected area
• Carefully manipulating the dislocated joint back into its proper position
• Confirming correct alignment with post-reduction X-rays
• Immobilizing the finger with a splint or buddy taping

Surgical Intervention

In more complex cases, such as those involving fractures or severe soft tissue damage, surgical intervention may be necessary. Surgical options can include:

• Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) to realign and stabilize the joint
• Repair of damaged ligaments or tendons
• Removal of bone fragments or foreign bodies

How long does recovery from a pinky finger dislocation typically take? The recovery time can vary depending on the severity of the injury and the treatment method. Simple dislocations treated with closed reduction may heal within 3-6 weeks, while more complex cases requiring surgery may take several months for full recovery.

Rehabilitation and Follow-up Care

Proper rehabilitation is crucial for regaining full function of the pinky finger after a dislocation. The rehabilitation process typically involves:

• Following the prescribed immobilization period to allow proper healing
• Gradually introducing range of motion exercises as directed by a healthcare provider
• Strengthening exercises to rebuild muscle and ligament strength
• Occupational therapy to improve fine motor skills and dexterity
• Regular follow-up appointments to monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed

Are there any long-term complications associated with pinky finger dislocations? While most people recover fully from pinky finger dislocations, some may experience long-term effects such as:

• Residual stiffness or reduced range of motion
• Chronic pain or sensitivity in the affected joint
• Increased risk of developing arthritis in the injured joint
• Slight deformity or permanent swelling of the finger

Regular follow-up care and adherence to rehabilitation protocols can help minimize these potential complications.

Preventing Pinky Finger Dislocations

While not all finger dislocations can be prevented, there are measures you can take to reduce your risk:

• Wear appropriate protective gear during sports and physical activities
• Use proper technique when catching balls or handling equipment
• Remove rings and other jewelry before engaging in activities that could put your fingers at risk
• Be cautious when working with machinery or power tools
• Maintain good hand and finger strength through regular exercises

Can specific exercises help prevent pinky finger dislocations? While no exercise can guarantee prevention, strengthening the muscles and improving the flexibility of your hands and fingers can help reduce the risk of injury. Simple exercises like squeezing a stress ball, finger stretches, and wrist curls can be beneficial.

When to Seek Emergency Medical Care

While all suspected finger dislocations should be evaluated by a healthcare professional, certain situations require immediate emergency care. Seek urgent medical attention if:

• There is an open wound or broken skin associated with the dislocation
• The finger appears pale, blue, or feels cold to the touch
• You experience complete loss of sensation in the affected finger
• The dislocation is accompanied by severe pain that isn’t relieved by over-the-counter pain medications
• You notice signs of infection, such as increasing redness, warmth, or pus drainage

How quickly should you seek medical attention for a dislocated pinky finger? It’s best to seek medical care as soon as possible after a suspected dislocation. Prompt treatment can help prevent complications and improve the chances of a full recovery. If you’re unable to see a doctor immediately, apply first aid measures and keep the finger immobilized until you can receive professional care.

Living with a Recovering Pinky Finger

Recovering from a pinky finger dislocation requires patience and adherence to medical advice. During the healing process, you may need to make temporary adjustments to your daily activities:

• Modify your work tasks to avoid straining the injured finger
• Use adaptive tools or devices to assist with daily activities
• Practice proper ergonomics to prevent further stress on the healing finger
• Be cautious during physical activities and avoid sports until cleared by your doctor
• Attend all follow-up appointments and therapy sessions as scheduled

How can you maintain hand function while recovering from a pinky finger dislocation? Focus on exercises and activities that engage the unaffected fingers and maintain overall hand strength without putting stress on the injured pinky. This might include gentle squeezing exercises, wrist rotations, and finger stretches as approved by your healthcare provider.

Understanding the Impact on Daily Life

A dislocated pinky finger can have surprising effects on everyday activities. While often underestimated, the pinky finger plays a crucial role in hand function, particularly in grip strength and fine motor skills. During recovery, you may experience challenges with:

• Typing or using a computer mouse
• Writing or drawing
• Opening jars or bottles
• Playing musical instruments
• Performing certain job-related tasks

How long might these limitations last? The duration of functional limitations varies depending on the severity of the dislocation and individual healing rates. Most people regain significant function within 6-8 weeks, but full recovery and return to all activities may take several months.

Addressing Psychological Aspects of Recovery

The physical aspects of recovering from a pinky finger dislocation are often the primary focus, but it’s important to address the psychological impact as well. Some individuals may experience:

• Frustration with temporary limitations
• Anxiety about potential long-term effects
• Depression related to changes in daily routine or ability to perform favorite activities
• Fear of re-injury when returning to sports or physical activities

How can you cope with the emotional challenges of recovering from a pinky finger dislocation? Consider these strategies:

• Set realistic expectations for recovery and celebrate small milestones
• Practice stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing or meditation
• Seek support from friends, family, or support groups
• Discuss concerns with your healthcare provider or consider speaking with a mental health professional
• Focus on activities you can do and find creative ways to adapt to temporary limitations

Remember that both physical and emotional recovery are important components of the healing process.

Future Considerations and Long-term Care

After recovering from a pinky finger dislocation, it’s important to consider long-term care and prevention strategies:

• Continue with hand-strengthening exercises to maintain flexibility and strength
• Be mindful of proper form and technique during sports and physical activities
• Consider using protective gear or taping techniques for high-risk activities
• Be aware of early signs of arthritis or chronic pain and address them promptly
• Maintain good overall hand health through proper care and regular check-ups

Is it possible to completely prevent future dislocations of the pinky finger? While it’s impossible to guarantee prevention of future injuries, taking proactive measures can significantly reduce the risk. Stay attentive to situations that may put your fingers at risk and don’t hesitate to use protective equipment when appropriate.

By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for pinky finger dislocations, you can be better prepared to handle this injury if it occurs. Remember that prompt medical attention and proper rehabilitation are key to achieving the best possible outcome and returning to your normal activities.

Dislocated Fingers

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

In this Article

• Causes of a Dislocated Finger
• Symptoms of a Dislocated Finger
• When to Seek Medical Care for a Dislocated Finger
• Exams and Tests for a Dislocated Finger
• Finger Dislocation Treatment
• Medical Treatment for a Dislocated Finger
• Follow-up Care for a Dislocated Finger
• How to Prevent a Finger Dislocation
• Outlook for a Dislocated Finger

Finger dislocation is a common injury. It occurs when the bones of the finger are moved (dislocated) from their normal position. A dislocated finger can occur in any of the joints of any finger, but it occurs most often in the middle knuckle of the little, ring, middle, or index finger.

A dislocated finger is caused by a “jamming” force to be applied to the end of the finger, or the finger may be forcefully overextended. Either of these situations or a combination of both, can result in a dislocation. For example:

• During sports activities, a basketball or baseball may strike the tip of an outstretched finger.
• Your finger might get caught in equipment such as a game jersey or pads.
• You might fall onto your outstretched hand.

A dislocated finger is usually obvious. The finger appears crooked, swollen and is very painful. It may be bent upward or at strange angles. You probably won’t be able to bend or straighten the finger if it is dislocated. Also:

• Numbness or tingling with a severe dislocation.
• The injured finger may appear a pale color.
• The dislocation may cause a break in the skin where the injury has occurred. If this occurs, you should get medical attention right away.

When you have a dislocated finger, you should see a doctor at once. Delaying a visit to your doctor for a finger dislocation can make final treatment more difficult and can lead to delayed healing or permanent disability.

Seek medical attention immediately if there is any loss of sensation (numbness), if there are any open areas of skin, or if the finger is cold, pale, or bluish in color.

The doctor will first examine the finger you have injured. They will X-ray the finger to confirm the dislocation and look for any broken bones.

It is not recommended that you treat a finger dislocation at home. A visit to your doctor or the emergency department is usually necessary.

• If you have a dislocated finger, the finger will swell. To prevent further injury to the finger, immediately remove any jewelry, such as rings.
  Apply an ice pack to your injured finger and elevate the hand above the level of your heart.

The doctor may realign the dislocated bones of your finger with a simple technique. This will often require a local anesthetic injection into the finger to help decrease or stop the pain and allow the doctor to reduce the dislocation and realign the bones. You may also receive medications by mouth, injection, or IV to help the pain and ease the reduction.

• Your injured finger will then be placed in a protective splint or be “buddy taped” to the healthy finger next to it.
  The doctor may get a second x-ray to confirm the realignment of your finger and to check for any broken bones that may not have shown up on the first X-ray.

Apply an ice pack to your dislocated finger for 20-30 minutes every 3-4 hours for the first 2-3 days or until the pain and swelling have subsided. This should lessen the pain and swelling that results from the finger dislocation.

• Elevate your injured finger on several pillows while lying down or on the back of a couch or chair while sitting. This will help reduce swelling and the pain that results.
• The doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication to help control the pain of your injury. Take only as directed by your doctor.
• The doctor may refer you to a bone specialist in the week or so following your injury. The specialist will be able to monitor the healing process of your finger.
• Your finger will be splinted for 3-6 weeks if the healing process goes well.
• The doctor may give you exercises to perform during the healing process, which will help strengthen your finger and reduce the chance of decreased function of your finger.

Finger dislocations are usually the result of an accident and accidents are not always preventable. When possible, however, you should avoid getting your finger stuck in objects such as athletic jerseys, basketball nets, and football helmets.

Wear protective gloves when possible.

Remove rings or other jewelry before participating in athletic events and when working with your hands, particularly around machinery.

Most simple finger dislocations can be put back into place easily. Full function in the injured finger will usually return. Mild or moderate discomfort or disability can continue for 12-18 months. You may expect some permanent swelling or disfigurement of the injured joint. There is an increased risk of developing arthritis in the joint later.

Occasionally, a fragment of the dislocated joint or some surrounding tissue can become lodged between the displaced bones. This prevents the bones from going into place. Surgery may be necessary to put the bones into the correct position. Results of this surgery are usually very good, but some function may be lost.

Tendon injuries also may occur with finger dislocations, such as mallet finger, jersey finger, central slip injury, and volar plate injury. If undiagnosed, these injuries can cause permanent loss of function and/or deformities.

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Dislocated Fingers

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

In this Article

• Causes of a Dislocated Finger
• Symptoms of a Dislocated Finger
• When to Seek Medical Care for a Dislocated Finger
• Exams and Tests for a Dislocated Finger
• Finger Dislocation Treatment
• Medical Treatment for a Dislocated Finger
• Follow-up Care for a Dislocated Finger
• How to Prevent a Finger Dislocation
• Outlook for a Dislocated Finger

Finger dislocation is a common injury. It occurs when the bones of the finger are moved (dislocated) from their normal position. A dislocated finger can occur in any of the joints of any finger, but it occurs most often in the middle knuckle of the little, ring, middle, or index finger.

A dislocated finger is caused by a “jamming” force to be applied to the end of the finger, or the finger may be forcefully overextended. Either of these situations or a combination of both, can result in a dislocation. For example:

• During sports activities, a basketball or baseball may strike the tip of an outstretched finger.
• Your finger might get caught in equipment such as a game jersey or pads.
• You might fall onto your outstretched hand.

A dislocated finger is usually obvious. The finger appears crooked, swollen and is very painful. It may be bent upward or at strange angles. You probably won’t be able to bend or straighten the finger if it is dislocated. Also:

• Numbness or tingling with a severe dislocation.
• The injured finger may appear a pale color.
• The dislocation may cause a break in the skin where the injury has occurred. If this occurs, you should get medical attention right away.

When you have a dislocated finger, you should see a doctor at once. Delaying a visit to your doctor for a finger dislocation can make final treatment more difficult and can lead to delayed healing or permanent disability.

Seek medical attention immediately if there is any loss of sensation (numbness), if there are any open areas of skin, or if the finger is cold, pale, or bluish in color.

The doctor will first examine the finger you have injured. They will X-ray the finger to confirm the dislocation and look for any broken bones.

It is not recommended that you treat a finger dislocation at home. A visit to your doctor or the emergency department is usually necessary.

• If you have a dislocated finger, the finger will swell. To prevent further injury to the finger, immediately remove any jewelry, such as rings.
  Apply an ice pack to your injured finger and elevate the hand above the level of your heart.

The doctor may realign the dislocated bones of your finger with a simple technique. This will often require a local anesthetic injection into the finger to help decrease or stop the pain and allow the doctor to reduce the dislocation and realign the bones. You may also receive medications by mouth, injection, or IV to help the pain and ease the reduction.

• Your injured finger will then be placed in a protective splint or be “buddy taped” to the healthy finger next to it.
  The doctor may get a second x-ray to confirm the realignment of your finger and to check for any broken bones that may not have shown up on the first X-ray.

Apply an ice pack to your dislocated finger for 20-30 minutes every 3-4 hours for the first 2-3 days or until the pain and swelling have subsided. This should lessen the pain and swelling that results from the finger dislocation.

• Elevate your injured finger on several pillows while lying down or on the back of a couch or chair while sitting. This will help reduce swelling and the pain that results.
• The doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication to help control the pain of your injury. Take only as directed by your doctor.
• The doctor may refer you to a bone specialist in the week or so following your injury. The specialist will be able to monitor the healing process of your finger.
• Your finger will be splinted for 3-6 weeks if the healing process goes well.
• The doctor may give you exercises to perform during the healing process, which will help strengthen your finger and reduce the chance of decreased function of your finger.

Finger dislocations are usually the result of an accident and accidents are not always preventable. When possible, however, you should avoid getting your finger stuck in objects such as athletic jerseys, basketball nets, and football helmets.

Wear protective gloves when possible.

Remove rings or other jewelry before participating in athletic events and when working with your hands, particularly around machinery.

Most simple finger dislocations can be put back into place easily. Full function in the injured finger will usually return. Mild or moderate discomfort or disability can continue for 12-18 months. You may expect some permanent swelling or disfigurement of the injured joint. There is an increased risk of developing arthritis in the joint later.

Occasionally, a fragment of the dislocated joint or some surrounding tissue can become lodged between the displaced bones. This prevents the bones from going into place. Surgery may be necessary to put the bones into the correct position. Results of this surgery are usually very good, but some function may be lost.

Tendon injuries also may occur with finger dislocations, such as mallet finger, jersey finger, central slip injury, and volar plate injury. If undiagnosed, these injuries can cause permanent loss of function and/or deformities.

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Dislocation of the little finger on the leg: types, symptoms and how to treat

Dislocations are a common injury that most often affects the fingers of the extremities. A dislocation of the little finger can be provoked by a banal blow. Accompanied by a fairly strong pain effect, swelling and redness. Visually visible changes in the deformation nature.

Content:

• What is
• Causes and symptoms
• Species
• Diagnostics
• Structure of treatment
• First aid
• Reposition
• Prescribing drugs
• Surgery
• Prophylaxis

What is it?

Dislocation of the little toe on the leg provokes a serious number of problems, since a significant number of nerve endings are located on the toes. With an injury, a sharp pain immediately forms. Most often there is a combination of combined trauma – dislocation and contusion.

The cause of damage is a blow, damage against a solid barrier. Dislocations and bruises often occur in the summer due to the lack of protection of the fingers. The peculiarity lies in the fact that such an injury affects mobility. Since the toes are responsible for the correct distribution of the load and the formation of balance when walking, lameness occurs.

Causes and symptoms

Dislocation of the little toe on the leg occurs on the basis of the following causes:

1. Sudden, unnatural movements of the leg.
2. Impact on any surface (most often furniture, stone).
3. Various injuries of a sports nature during training or various competitions.
4. A sufficiently heavy object has been dropped.
5. Squeezing or jumping from a considerable height.

As far as symptoms are concerned, the dislocation is most often manifested as follows:

• An unnatural situation arises – a forced situation.
• A pronounced deformity of the joint is formed.
• There is a slight twitching, uncontrolled movements, or a complete lack of mobility.
• Initially, severe pain is provoked, which increases during active movements and decreases at the time of rest.
• There is swelling, bruising, certain bruising.

Naturally, walking restrictions are formed, during physical exertion the pain becomes almost unbearable, the performance of daily activities becomes impossible.

Species

Little toe dislocation is classified according to the location of the problem and the time of injury. In the standard version, complete, incomplete, displaced damage is determined. By time:

1. Dislocations fresh that occurred no more than three days ago.
2. Stale , time of injury fourteen days before referral to a specialist.
3. Old . At least two weeks old. Moreover, in this case, additional damage may occur.

It should be said that if the displacement occurred on the basis of a certain pathological disease, then the dislocations are considered pathological, if the cause is trauma – traumatic.

Depending on the direction of damage, they differ:

• Rear.
• Side.
• Plantar dislocations.

On visual inspection, it immediately becomes clear in which direction the displacement occurred relative to the foot. Damage to the plantar part is extremely rare, since there is a fairly powerful ligamentous apparatus here.

Diagnosis

1. Visual inspection.
2. Radiography.
3. Computed tomography.
4. Ultrasonic examination.

Treatment structure

First aid

Immediately after an injury, a serious pain effect is formed, which must be reduced, it is also very important to ensure minimal mobility so as not to worsen the condition of damaged tissues. You need to act like this:

• Place your finger on the damaged area.
• Bandage or simply rest.
• Take an anesthetic tablet (if necessary), see a specialist.

Reduction

Reduction becomes the basis for the treatment of almost any dislocation. These actions must be carried out exclusively by an experienced specialist. Fresh injuries are reduced without much difficulty and are performed after anesthesia (novocaine solution is used). If we are talking about a stale injury, then a needle is passed through the phalanx and traction is done (a specialized traction process).

After the performed manipulations, will require immobilization . Most often in this case, adhesive bandages are used. If we are talking about dislocations of the multiple type, a plaster-format bandage is used. The term of complete healing is up to three weeks.

Prescribing drugs

To reduce the level of pain, prevent the possibility of inflammation, Movalis or Ortofen is used. Muscle relaxants are also prescribed, which can reduce muscle spasm – Tolizor, Mydocalm. After reduction, it is recommended to use ointments and gels with a warming and analgesic effect.

Surgical intervention

Chronic dislocations of the little finger are treated surgically, which allows you to fully restore its main functions. Basically, the process of leveling the position is carried out by means of a special knitting needle. In certain cases, resection followed by traction is used.

Recovery is based on the use of physiotherapy, gymnastics and massage.

Prevention

1. Proper nutrition, which includes the consumption of foods with a significant content of calcium for strong bones.
2. Injury prevention – wearing comfortable shoes, wearing athletic shoes when exercising.
3. Strengthening muscles and joints through daily exercise.
4. Refusal of bad habits, which provokes the exclusion of negative factors of influence.
5. Treatment of pathologies that can lead to dislocation of fingers.

first aid. What to do and what not to do with a dislocation

Author

Khasanshin Mansur Minaskhatovich

Candidate of Medical Sciences

Traumatologist-orthopedist

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Dislocation is a pathological condition in which there is a displacement of the articular surfaces relative to each other.

Normal operation of the joint is possible if the articular surfaces of the articulating bones are congruent to each other (that is, their shapes correspond to each other). With a dislocation of the limbs, the bones diverge, congruence is lost, and movement in the joint becomes impossible. Doctors say that dislocation is persistent and complete offset; resistant – because the displaced bones themselves do not converge again, and remain displaced, and complete means that the surfaces that should be in contact do not even partially touch. Usually, when a dislocation occurs, a rupture of the joint capsule occurs, and one of the articular surfaces comes out through this gap. If a partial rather than a complete displacement has occurred, this condition is called not a dislocation, but a subluxation.

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Causes of dislocation

A dislocation can occur in any joint. A typical situation for the occurrence of a dislocation is trauma. So, dislocation occurs if the movement in the joint is excessive (going beyond normal mobility). As a rule, this is a forced movement (for example, as a result of a fall: a person falls on an arm pulled back and gets a dislocation of the shoulder). Also, a blow to the joint area can lead to dislocation. Dislocations caused by trauma are called traumatic.

A dislocation can also have a non-traumatic origin. In this case, it is caused by the destruction of the articular ends of the bones as a result of diseases such as poliomyelitis, osteomyelitis, arthritis, arthrosis, and tuberculosis. Such dislocations are called pathological.

There are also congenital dislocations. Pathology in this case occurs even at the intrauterine stage of fetal development.

The so-called habitual dislocations are especially considered. A habitual dislocation is a dislocation that occurs in the same joint even with a slight traumatic impact. This is due to the weakness of the articular apparatus (capsule, ligaments, muscles) or changes in the configuration of the articular surfaces. In most cases, a habitual dislocation occurs if, after the reduction of a traumatic dislocation, mobility was returned to the joint too soon.

Dislocation symptoms

Dislocation as a result of an injury is usually accompanied by a characteristic pop. Edema develops in the area of ​​the damaged joint, the patient may feel tingling, numbness, heat (the affected joint “burns”).

The main symptoms of a dislocation are:

Joint pain

Pain worse when trying to move. The patient discovers the impossibility or significant limitation of movement in the joint.

Joint deformity

The joint changes its shape. This is usually seen with a simple visual inspection.

Dislocation diagnostic methods

The main diagnostic procedure in case of dislocation is the X-ray of the damaged joint.

X-rays

X-rays will help make sure that the dislocation is not accompanied by a fracture or crack (incomplete fracture).

More about the diagnostic method

To accurately diagnose the disease, make an appointment with the specialists of the Family Doctor network.

Methods of treatment of dislocation

What to do in case of dislocation

In the event of a dislocation, first of all, it is necessary to ensure the immobilization of the affected joint (that is, to ensure its immobility). It is best to apply a splint, but if this is not possible, immobilization should be carried out at the expense of improvised means – a scarf, a piece of cloth, etc. To reduce swelling and relieve pain, it is recommended to use a cold compress. Crushed ice from the freezer will do, or a cold water bottle can also be used. You can take pain medication.

The dislocation must be corrected, and it is desirable to do this quickly. If the dislocation is not reduced within 1-2 days, the developed swelling will greatly complicate the reduction, and a surgical operation (tissue incision) may be required to treat the dislocation.