injuries poisoning
Overview of Dislocations
Key Points
Dislocations that disrupt arterial supply and compartment syndrome threaten limb viability and may ultimately threaten life. Check for fractures and ligament, tendon, and muscle injuries as well as dislocations (sometimes part of this evaluation is deferred until fracture is excluded). Examine the joints above and below the injured area. Consider referred pain, particularly if physical findings are normal in a joint that patients identify as painful (eg, shoulder pain in patients with sternoclavicular injuries). Take x-rays to diagnose associated fractures as well as dislocations. Immediately treat any serious associated injuries, splint unstable dislocations, and, as soon as possible, treat pain and reduce dislocations. Immobilize all dislocations as soon as they are reduced using a cast, splint, sling, or other device. Provide patients with explicit, written instructions about cast care. Choose treatments that make early mobilization possible, and encourage patients, especially those who are older, to do the recommended exercises to improve range of motion and muscle strength and to prevent future dislocations. 