Accidents are very painful and can get fatal in many occasions. There are many different types of injuries and joint dislocations are one of them. Joint dislocation in contact sports or motor vehicle accidents are basically the injuries inflicted to the joint. This in turn forces the bones at that particular joint from moving out of position leading to temporary immobilizations that are extremely painful. If not taken care of they can lead to inflammations. The most common joints to get dislocated in contact sports or motor vehicle accidents are the shoulder, knee joins, calf, fingers, wrist arm joints and hip joints. Finger joints dislocate more often but are not very serious compared to hip and shoulder joins. Joint dislocation in contact sports or motor vehicle accidents are probably not the same in comparison to bone fractures. Bone fractures are not necessarily injuries at the joins but can occur at any position on the bone structure leading to cracks and breakage of the bone.
Causes of Joint Dislocation in Contact Sports or Motor Vehicle Accidents
Joint dislocation in contact sports or motor vehicle accidents are mostly caused by extreme forces directed to the joint unknowingly. Forces can be as a result of accidents such as vehicle accidents where foreign pieces or material from the vehicle body work hit hard on the joint leading to dislocation.
Accidents incurred in sports especially contact sports such as hockey where the hockey club or ball can hit the player fiercely at the joint leading to joint dislocation. Hockey injuries are mostly more prominent at the knee joint. Basketball can also lead to joint dislocation on the shoulders, arms leg joints and even fingers while grabbing and scramming for the ball. Other contact sports such as rugby and football games are also culprits in terms of injury inflictions that can result into serious joint dislocation. Indoor games such as table tennis can also lead to joint dislocations. Some people dislocate just by missing a step and tripping on the pavement or while ascending and descending on the stair cases.
Symptoms of Joint Dislocation in Contact Sports or Motor Vehicle Accidents
Joint dislocation in contact sports or motor vehicle accidents are intensely painful. The pain is the first symptom you can observe in a victim after the incident or accident. Visible deformation can also be an indicator of joint dislocation where one can easily see the out of place joint at that particular zone of the arm, shoulder or arm joints might also indicate the inflammation or swellings at the joint. The joint might also be rendered immovable and that is a possible indication of joint dislocation. The casualty might also have numbness or tingling just below the injured joint in most cases caused by the incapability of nerve to send and receive information from the regions below the joint.
Tests to Diagnose Joint Dislocation in Contact Sports or Motor Vehicle Accidents
Visual examination itself is not enough in determining the extend of joint dislocation in contact sports or motor vehicle accidents. X-ray imaging is what is most advisable on examining the extend of the injury giving you the position of the bones that assist the medics to determine the extent of the damage.
Treatment for Joint Dislocation in Contact Sports or Motor Vehicle Accidents
Joint dislocation in contact sports or motor vehicle accidents has different degree of damage and basing on this, treatment is administered as require. Mild joint dislocation can be massaged with liniments back into their position. Immobilisation is also advised to reduce the injury worsening chances. If the injury is serious enough, surgery for can be performed. Rehabilitation time is also given to help the joint strength to rejuvenate through physiotherapy.
Prevention of Joint Dislocation in Contact Sports or Motor Vehicle Accidents
Joint dislocation in contact sports or motor vehicle accidents can be prevented by making sure you follow the safe driving techniques. Traffic rules should be followed and if you are an athlete, get the necessary training on how to play safe. If the joint dislocation reoccurs, it is advisable to quit that particular sport.
Risk Factors for Joint Dislocation in Contact Sports or Motor Vehicle Accidents
Joint dislocation in contact sports or motor vehicle accidents can be fatal and if not taken care of with immediate effect can lead to serious complication. This implies that the casualty should have immediate first aid attention and help called through the emergency service or the casualty to be taken to the specialist as quickly as possible.
Having a joint dislocation might make a person injury prone, such person must take great care of themselves and avoid instances and occasions that might lead to injuries which are possible causes of joint dislocation.
Always insist on driving safe at recommended speeds to avoid motor vehicle accidents. It is also good to avoid risky situation by wearing appropriate protection and playing safe.
Joint dislocation can also be hereditary. Ligament weakness can be inherited from preceding generations which affect the strength of the joints. Weak ligaments means weak joint and high prevalence of joint dislocation.
Complications of Joint Dislocation in Contact Sports or Motor Vehicle Accidents
Recurring joint dislocation in contact sports or motor vehicle accidents can lead to arthritis which is a serious medical condition that is very expensive to treat. Joint dislocation can also lead to blood vessel and nerve cords fracture affecting the nervous and blood circulation systems. Joint dislocation can also tear the muscle tendons and ligaments that support the joint which will take time to heal and eventually lead to weak joint.
Prognosis for Joint Dislocation in Contact Sports or Motor Vehicle Accidents
With the necessary awareness which nongovernmental organization and bloggers are spreading, the future will have reduced accidents leading to joint dislocation in contact sports or motor vehicle accidents. The government is also vigilant on traffic rules offenders which are a step to reduce future casualties.
- Cleveland Clinic. (2021). Joint Dislocation https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/18058-joint-dislocation
- MedlinePlus. (2021). Dislocations https://medlineplus.gov/dislocations.html
Also Read:
- Frequently Asked Questions on Hip Joint Dislocation & Fracture
- Lunate Dislocation: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Repair, Braces, Prevention
- Knee Dislocation or Dislocated Knee: Treatment, Diagnosis, Risk Factors, Complications
- Ankle Joint Ligament Injury: Treatment, Recovery Period, Exercises, Causes, Types, Symptoms
- Q&A: Hip Joint Pain Treatment Approach and Options–Everything You Need To Know