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What is dislocation?
24 September 2025
To understand what a dislocation is, it’s important to first understand a bit about human anatomy. The human body is made up of bones, which are rigid structures that provide support and shape to the body, and joints, which are anatomical structures where two or more bones meet. Joints allow movement and provide stability to the skeleton.
When there is a separation between the two bones that form a joint, this is known as a dislocation. However, if the separation is only partial, it is called a subluxation.
Dislocation
The terms “dislocation” and “luxation” are used interchangeably. However, “dislocation” is the more commonly used, general term, while “luxation” is the more technical and medical term.
Dislocations are usually caused by trauma, strains, sports injuries, or wounds. In the case of wounds or injuries, the dislocation is referred to as an open dislocation.
Joint realignment is generally necessary to correct a dislocation, although in some cases, the bones may return to their normal position without medical intervention.
Although dislocations usually do not cause serious complications, the severity and the affected joint can lead to risks such as impaired joint function and mobility issues. In more serious cases, dislocations can be life-threatening—particularly open dislocations, which carry a high risk of infection, internal bleeding, disrupted blood circulation, or nerve damage. These complications can result in serious vascular or neurological injury.
Types of dislocations
A dislocation can be classified in various ways.
- According to its origin:
- Traumatic: Occur due to accidents, falls, or blows.
- Congenital: Present from birth due to malformations.
- Pathological: Their origin is due to diseases that weaken the joints, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
- Chronic: These are dislocations that occur repeatedly in the same joint as a result of previous ligament damage.
- According to the direction of displacement:
- Anterior: The bone shifts forward.
- Posterior: The bone shifts backward.
- Inferior: The bone moves downward.
- Superior: This is the least common, and the bone shifts upward.
- According to its severity:
- Complete: The separation between the bones is total, with no contact between the joint surfaces.
- Subluxation: Also known as an incomplete dislocation, there is a partial displacement between the bone and the joint, although some contact still remains.
- According to its location:
- This is the most commonly used classification and may refer, for example, to shoulder dislocation, knee dislocation, hip dislocation, ankle dislocation, elbow dislocation, or wrist dislocation, to name a few examples.
Diagnosis and treatment Dislocation
Since dislocations often result from various types of accidents, they may be accompanied by other musculoskeletal injuries. It is therefore essential to identify these associated injuries in order to treat them appropriately and prioritize care accordingly.
A physical examination is required, including vascular and neurological assessments, as well as stress tests.
Additionally, imaging studies such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are necessary to determine the severity of the dislocation and to confirm or rule out adjacent injuries.
Dislocation Treatment
Most dislocations can be treated by externally manipulating the bones back into place. However, in severe cases involving fractures, vascular damage, or nerve injuries, open surgical intervention is necessary.
In less severe dislocations, once the bones are realigned, the joint is immobilized using a cast or splint, and pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications are prescribed. The length of rest will depend on the severity of the injury and how recovery progresses.
At the Orthopedics and Traumatology Center of ABC Medical Center, we offer specialized care. Contact us!
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Ricardo Ostos
Content CreatorLearn more about Ricardo on LinkedIn
The dissemination of the content of this material is for informational purposes only and does not replace, under any circumstance or condition, a consultation with a specialist doctor, for which the ABC Medical Center is not responsible for the different use that may be given to it. If you require more information related to the subject, we suggest you contact the specialist doctor you trust directly.
