What it means
The bones of a joint separate completely, as in a shoulder pushed out of its socket. A partial separation is a subluxation. Dislocations usually follow a fall or blow, and the shoulder, fingers, elbow, kneecap and hip are common sites. An artificial hip can dislocate if moved past its safe limits. The nerves and blood vessels near the joint can be injured.
For the nurse
Do not try to put the joint back. Splint it as it lies, apply ice and check the pulse, color, warmth, movement and feeling below the injury, reporting any loss at once. After a hip replacement, sudden pain, a shortened leg and a leg turned in or out are reported right away.
At a glance
| Spanish | luxación, dislocación |
|---|---|
| Also written | dislocations, dislocated, dislocate |
Related terms
deformity
A body part that is out of its normal shape or position.
orthopedic
Having to do with the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons, and the branch of medicine that treats them.
total hip replacement
Surgery that replaces the worn or damaged ball and socket of the hip joint with artificial parts; also called total hip arthroplasty.