Musculoskeletal in the body is a complex system that works in tandem to allow for mobility. Bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments all join together to ensure seamless movement. If any component fails to function properly, motion gets compromised.
One such problem that disrupts the musculoskeletal system is dislocation of the joints. Our bones come together at the joints, which then allows the body to fold and move. However, bones can pop or slide out of these junctions. This unhinging of the bones then causes lack of movement in the region.
Due to the pain and the discomfort that ensues with the dislocation, it is imperative to seek urgent medical aid from the Best Orthopedic Surgeon in Lahore. If not treated well within time, dislocation can further damage the nerves, ligaments and even the blood vessels.
Table of Contents
Symptoms Of Joint Dislocation
The symptoms of joint dislocation are contingent on the location of the dislocation, and how serious the trauma is. Symptoms commonly observed include severe pain in the region alongside swelling.
Of the visible signs of dislocation is the deformed joint. Moreover, dislocation also results in bruising in the region. Due to the dislocation, one is unable to move the joint as well. Discoloration as the site of dislocation is also common. The area might also become numb.
Causes Of Dislocation
Basically, dislocation occurs due to some impact on the joint or its adjacent bones, that knocks these components off balance. The source of the trauma can be some accident, fall or hit to the region.
Moreover, it is common in certain sports like rugby, skiing etc., as their risk of falls is greater.
Risks Factors Of Dislocation
Certain factors increase propensity of a person towards dislocation. Genetics is one probable culprit; some people are born with loose ligaments, that makes them more prone to accidents. Those suffering from Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome are also at higher risk of joint dislocation.
Furthermore, as falls lead to dislocation, therefore, anything that increases the risk of falls also then increases the risk of dislocation. Similarly, playing certain sports also increase risk for dislocation.
Old age is another risk factor for dislocation; older people have weaker bones and are also more prone to falling due to poor balance and coordination.
Preventing Dislocation
Whereas it is not entirely possible to avert accidents, but certain risk factors for dislocation can be prevented.
People who are older should be careful about their mobility. They should use a stick or walker to assist them, even if their vanity prevents them from feeling comfortable with these walking aides.
In order to make the musculoskeletal system stronger, and thus prevent dislocation, exercise is a must. It helps in making the bones and muscles strong. Resistant training is especially useful. Examples of resistant training exercises include walking, jogging, weightlifting etc.
Moreover, people who play sports should always wear a gear to ensure safety.
Also, take steps to ensure that your danger of falls is minimized; make sure that your house is safe from the risk of falls. Remove anything that you can trip over, ensure that your floors are not slippery, there is ample light, so you don’t accidently fall over due to poor vision. Do not put knickknacks and decorative items in the pathway.
As stairs are often the danger zone, make sure there is secure banister for assistance. The surface of the stairs has enough friction to prevent skidding. You also should be careful when climbing the stairs.
Treating Dislocation
The treatment option for dislocation is contingent on the area and severity of dislocation. The preliminary treatment is similar to the run of the mill sports injuries i.e., RICE, an acronym for rest, ice, compression and elevation.
In some cases, the joint may itself fall into place post RICE technique, however, others, might require more robust forms of treatments.
One route is of manipulation or repositioning. In it, patient is administered a sedative or anesthetic, and doctor then manually re-hinges the joint.
Another option is immobilization in which after resetting the joint, doctor prescribes a sling, cast or splint to ensure that the joint is immobilized for it to heal properly and thus prevent it to fall out again.
Some patients undergo surgery in the aftermath of dislocation. It is for cases where dislocation results in damage to the nerves or blood vessels, or if the doctor is manually unable to reset the joint.
People who have recurrent dislocation episodes might also have to undergo surgery to prevent future episodes. Similarly, patients might also have structural problems preventing the resetting of the joint, and thus may require surgery for the reconstruction of joint. Surgery might also be performed to fix a damaged structure in order to reset the joint.
Ultimately, treatment will be done as per the professional opinion of the best Orthopedic Surgeon in Islamabad.