Dislocations or Fractures
Dislocations and fractures are common injuries that affect bones and joints. A dislocation happens when the bones in a joint are forced out of their normal position, often from a fall, blow, or other trauma, and can affect nearly any joint—from shoulders, hips, and knees to fingers, toes, and the jaw. A fracture occurs when a bone cracks or breaks under more pressure than it can handle. Fractures can be caused by accidents, falls, repetitive stress, or medical conditions that weaken the bones, making them more prone to injury.
Dislocation and Fracture Symptoms
It’s hard to identify a dislocated joint from a bone fracture. Symptoms of both include:- A visibly out-of-place or misshapen limb
- Swelling, bruising or bleeding
- Intense pain
- Numbness and tingling
- Broken skin with bone protrusion
- Loss of motion
Meet the Orthopedic Sports Medicine Team
The Summa Health Sports Medicine team is made up of primary care specialists and fellowship-trained sports medicine surgeons who treat people of all ages and fitness levels. Our staff also serves as team physicians for area high schools and the Akron RubberDucks, as well as provides medical coverage for the Akron Marathon Race Series.
Dislocation and Fracture Risk Factors
You may be at an increased risk for a dislocation if you participate in repetitive sports – like baseball, tennis, swimming or volleyball – or have a career that involves repetition, such as painting or lifting. Other risk factors may stem from traumatic events, genetics and previous joint dislocations.Factors that increase your risk of fracture are:
- Smoking
- Drinking alcohol
- Steroids
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Diabetes
- Previous low-impact fractures
- Chronic disorders like Celiac disease, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
Dislocation and Fracture Treatment
Moving a fractured or dislocated bone may cause further damage, so get it treated as soon as possible by an orthopedic specialist.
Dislocation treatment depends on which joint you dislocate and the severity of the injury. It may include manipulations to reposition the bones, medicine, a splint or sling, and/or rehabilitation. When properly repositioned, a joint will usually function normally again within a few weeks.
A plaster or fiberglass cast is the most common type of fracture treatment, although splints, braces and surgery may be applied depending on severity and location. Most broken bones can heal successfully once they’ve been repositioned and held in place while they heal.
Summa Health orthopedic specialists have experience caring for both common and severe dislocations and fractures. Consult with one for diagnosis and treatment.