What does joint dislocation refer to?
Disease description:
I recently had an accidental fall and felt severe pain in my joint. I heard it might be a dislocated joint, which really scared me. I would like to know what exactly is a dislocated joint and what specific symptoms can occur after a joint dislocation?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Jian
Joint dislocation, also known as luxation, refers to a change in the normal alignment between joint surfaces, leading to loss of the joint's normal structure and function. This condition typically occurs when the joint experiences severe external force, such as landing on a joint during a fall, intense collisions, or incorrect exercise posture. Joint dislocation can not only damage the joint capsule and ligaments but also affect surrounding muscles and nerves, and sometimes may even be accompanied by fractures.
Dislocations can occur in any joint throughout the body, although they are most commonly seen in the shoulder and elbow joints. Once a joint dislocates, patients often experience severe pain, rapid swelling in the affected area, and an inability to move the joint normally. In some cases, the dislocated joint may appear abnormally twisted or deformed, significantly affecting both appearance and function.
Treatment involves relocating the bones back into their correct positions, known as reduction. After reduction, the joint may need to be immobilized using a cast or brace to allow sufficient time for the injured tissues to heal. Following reduction, patients may require physical therapy, involving a series of rehabilitation exercises to restore joint function and strength. Severe joint dislocations may require surgical treatment to ensure maximum restoration and recovery of the joint's structure and function.
