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Illustrated Health Encyclopedia
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Ency. home > Injury > D > Dislocation

Dislocation    See images

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Joint dislocation

Definition:

The displacement of any body part (usually a joint) from its normal location.

Considerations

If a joint is over-stressed, the bones that meet at that joint may get disconnected, or dislocated. When this happens, there's usually a torn joint capsule and torn ligaments, and often nerve injury as well.

It is sometimes hard to tell a dislocated bone from a broken bone. Both are emergency situations. The basic first aid steps are the same for both.

Allow 3 to 6 weeks for the surrounding ligaments of a dislocated joint to heal.

Causes

Most dislocations are caused by a blow, fall, or other trauma. Seizures can also lead to dislocations.

Ency. home > Injury > D > Dislocation

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