3. • Dislocation of a joint occurs when
the surfaces of the bones forming the
joint are no longer in anatomic
contact
• This is a medical emergency because
of associated disruption of
surrounding blood and nerve
supplies
4. • Most commonly dislocated joints:
Shoulder, fingers, elbow
• Mechanism of injury:
Anterior, posterior (most
common), lateral, or medial force
6. • Pain.
• Deformity.
• Change in the length of the
extremity.
• Loss of normal movement.
• X-ray confirmation of dislocation
without associated fracture.
8. • Secure reduction of dislocation
(bring displaced parts into normal
position) as soon as possible to
prevent circulatory or nerve
impairments; usually performed
under anesthesia.
9. • Immobilize part while patient is
transported to emergency
department, X-ray department, or
clinical unit.
10. • Stabilize reduction until joint
structures are healed to prevent
permanently unstable joint or
aseptic necrosis of bone.
12. • Assess neurovascular status of
extremity before and after reduction
of dislocation.
• Administer or teach self-
administration of pain medications
such as NSAIDs.
13. • Ensure proper use of immobilization
device after reduction.
• Review instructions for activity
restrictions and need for PT and
follow-up.
