What is dislocation?

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.

Sometimes it may be hard to tell if a bone is dislocated or broken. Both are emergency situations and require the same immediate treatment. The surrounding tissues are damaged in a dislocation and may take up to 6 weeks to heal.

Causes of dislocation

Dislocations are usually caused by a sudden impact to the joint. This may be as a result of a blow, fall, or some other sudden trauma.