Joint Dislocation

A joint dislocation, also called luxation, occurs when there is an abnormal separation in a joint where two or more bones meet; a partial dislocation is called a subluxation. Dislocations typically result from sudden trauma during accidents or falls and can damage surrounding ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves, occurring in major joints such as the shoulder, knee, and hip or in minor joints such as the fingers and toes, with the shoulder the most commonly dislocated joint and anterior shoulder dislocation alone accounting for at least 90 percent of shoulder dislocations. Treatment is closed reduction, a skilled manipulation to restore normal bone position, typically performed under sedation or anesthesia.