A dislocation is a seperation of a bone where it meets a joint. (Joints are areas where two or more bones come together.) A dislocated bone is no longer in its normal position. A dislocation may also cause ligament and nerve damage.
Alternative Names:
Joint dislocation
Considerations:
It may be hard to tell a dislocated bone from a broken bone. Both are emergency situations and require the same first-aid treatment. Injuries to the surrounding ligaments generally take 3 to 6 weeks to heal.
Causes:
Dislocations are usually caused by a sudden impact to the joint. This usually occurs following a blow, fall, or other trauma.
Review Date: 5/28/2004
Reviewed By: Jacqueline A. Hart, M.D., Department of Internal Medicine, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Boston, MA.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
