| Disease | Injury | Nutrition | Poison |
| Special Topic | Surgery | Symptoms | Test |
| |
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| Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention |
Dislocation |
| Definition: |
Joints are areas where two or more bones come together. If a sudden impact injures a joint, the bones that meet at that joint may become dislocated (not connected). That means the bones are no longer in their normal position. Usually the joint capsule and ligaments tear when a joint becomes dislocated, and often the nerves are injured as well. |
| Alternative Names: |
| Joint dislocation |
| Considerations: |
It is sometimes 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. |
Reviewed By: Jacqueline A. Hart, M.D., Senior Medical Editor, A.D.A.M., Inc. Previously reviewed by Kevin B. Freedman, M.D., Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rush-Presbyterian Medical Center, Chicago, IL. Reviewed by VeriMed Health Network (5/25/2001).
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