What Is a Dislocation?
A dislocation is an injury that forces the ends of the bones from their regular positions. Usually, the cause is trauma or hard impact resulting from a collision, auto accident, or fall. The injury temporarily immobilizes and deforms the joint and may result in sudden and severe swelling and pain. A dislocation requires immediate medical attention to restore the bones to their proper positions.
Signs and Symptoms of a Dislocation
A dislocated joint typically presents with:
- Swelling
- Out of place appearance
- Red or bruised skin
- Difficulty moving
- Pain
Hand Dislocation
With 27 bones in each of your wrists and hands, there are plenty of opportunities for dislocations. These painful injuries usually occur at one of the three joints of the hand: the interphalangeal joint dislocations in the fingers, carpometacarpal joint dislocation where the metacarpal bones meet the wrist, and metacarpophalangeal joint dislocation where the fingers join the hand.
When the bones in your hand shift out of position, it can damage your hand’s muscles, ligaments, and tendons. If left untreated or incorrectly treated, hand dislocations can lead to permanent deformity and disability.
Steps to Take When You Dislocate Your Hand
If you dislocate your hand, call 911 or get emergency treatment by a specialist. Keep your hand as still as possible until it can be professionally tended to. Leave the joint alone because trying to move or jam it back in can damage muscles, ligaments, blood vessels, and nerves. Place an ice pack on the affected area to ease the pain and swelling. You can use acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain relief.
If you think you dislocated your elbow or shoulder, stop the injured arm from moving using a sling. Remove your watch or rings in case of swelling.
Treatment
Getting medical treatment from an orthopedic hand specialist for dislocations is essential. Otherwise, the injury could disrupt the blood supply to the bones in your hand, causing tissue death and leading to painful arthritis.
The orthopedic team will examine your injured hand and use X-rays to determine the severity of the dislocation. Typical treatment plans include:
- Closed reduction for a minor dislocation
- Open reduction surgery for severe dislocations
- Physical therapy to restore strength and preserve flexibility
- Occupational therapy to help relearn daily skills
Conclusion
If you have a hand injury that you believe could be a dislocation, do not delay treatment. Seek immediate medical treatment and schedule an appointment with a hand specialist. It may take weeks or months for your hand to heal, depending on the severity of your injury. Proper follow-up care is critical to your treatment and safety.
