What is a joint dislocation?
A separation of two bones where they meet at a joint, with the dislocated bone no longer in its normal position.
What is a subluxation?
An incomplete or partial dislocation where articular surfaces are no longer congruous but contact is not completely lost.
What is the medical term for nursemaid’s elbow?
Radial Head Subluxation.
What causes nursemaid’s elbow?
Occurs when a child’s elbow is pulled, causing partial dislocation of the radial head.
What are the two main types of dislocations based on timing?
Acute (sudden) and Chronic (ranging from 24 hours to 6 weeks).
What are common causes of dislocations?
Sudden impact to the joint from blows, falls, or trauma.
What are key symptoms of a dislocation?
Pain, swelling, difficulty moving the joint, numbness or paresthesia.
What are signs of a dislocation?
Visibly out-of-place joint, limited movement, swelling, bruising, and intense pain.
What neurovascular signs may indicate a dislocation?
Decreased sensation, decreased pulse, and cool extremity distal to the joint.
How is a dislocation named?
By the joint, position of the distal fragment relative to the proximal, and adding ‘fracture’ or ‘open’ if applicable.
What radiographic principles apply to dislocations?
Two planes at 90 degrees, good quality, standard views, and seeing the entire joint.
What is the general treatment for acute dislocations?
Reduce ASAP, check neurovascular function, take post-reduction radiograph, and immobilize.
What are steps in reduction technique?
Start IV fluids, give sedation, apply traction force, and manipulate the joint.
How is a shoulder dislocation reduced?
Sedation, traction/counter-traction, and lifting the humeral head into the glenoid.
How is a hip dislocation reduced?
Relaxation, flexion, traction, and rotation under deep sedation.
What is unique about chronic neglected dislocations?
No immediate reduction; joint cavity filled with fibrous tissue, often requiring open reduction.
What is a Bankart lesion?
Damage to the glenoid labrum and joint capsule, often seen in traumatic shoulder dislocations.
What are the three types of shoulder dislocations?
Traumatic, atraumatic, and acquired.
What percentage of shoulder dislocations are anterior?
0.85
What arm position causes anterior shoulder dislocation?
Abduction and external rotation.
What causes inferior shoulder dislocation?
Excessive abduction with force on the hand pushing the humerus inferiorly.
What is subcoracoid dislocation?
Anterior dislocation where the elbow is held away from the side and hand cannot turn onto the stomach.
What arm position causes posterior shoulder dislocation?
Flexion and adduction with force on the hand.
What are signs of posterior shoulder dislocation?
Prominent coracoid process, elbow at side, hand on stomach, pain with external rotation.
