Dislocations
What is a arm & hand dislocation?
Hand and Arm Dislocations occur when the bones in the hand, wrist, or arm are forced out of their normal position at a joint, often due to trauma or extreme force.
Types of Hand and Arm Dislocations:
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Wrist Dislocation:
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Occurs when the bones in the wrist are displaced, usually due to a fall or direct impact. It’s often associated with fractures.
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Finger Dislocation:
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Commonly happens in sports or accidents when a finger is jammed or hyperextended, causing the joint to dislocate.
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Elbow Dislocation:
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Typically results from a fall onto an outstretched hand or a direct blow to the elbow, forcing the bones of the forearm out of alignment with the upper arm.
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Mechanism of Injury:
Dislocations occur when a joint is subjected to extreme force, twisting, or trauma, pushing the bones out of their normal alignment.
Symptoms
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Severe Pain: Intense pain at the dislocation site.
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Deformity: Visible or palpable misalignment of the joint.
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Swelling: Rapid swelling around the dislocated joint.
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Limited Movement: Inability to move the joint without significant pain.
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Numbness or Tingling: Possible nerve involvement, leading to sensation loss or tingling.
Treatment
Immediate Treatment:
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Immobilisation: Stabilise the joint and avoid moving the affected area.
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Ice: Apply to reduce swelling and pain.
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Seek Medical Attention: Dislocations often require prompt professional care to realign the joint.
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Reduction: A healthcare provider will manually realign the dislocated joint.
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Immobilisation: Use of a splint, cast, or brace to keep the joint stable while it heals.
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Pain Management: NSAIDs or prescribed medications to manage pain and inflammation.
Clinical Treatment:
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Treatment to reduce the swelling
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Stretching & Strengthening: To restore flexibility and rebuild strength around the joint.
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Range of Motion Exercises: Gradually reintroduce movement to regain full function.
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Stability Exercises: Focused on strengthening the muscles around the joint to prevent future dislocations.
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