A dislocation is when two connected bones
slip out of position in a joint. Dislocations are caused by falls
and hard impacts, such as in sports injuries, and are more common in teens than young
children. These injuries require emergency
medical care to avoid further damage.
Signs and Symptoms
A joint is where two or more bones come together. A joint may be dislocated if
it is:
- swollen
- bruised or red
- painful
- difficult to move
- out of place
What to Do
If you think your child has a dislocation, get emergency medical care or
call 911. Until care arrives:
- Leave the joint alone. Attempting to move or jam a dislocated bone back in can
damage blood vessels, muscles, ligaments, and nerves.
- Put an ice pack covered in a cloth on the area around the joint. Ice can ease
swelling and pain in and around the joint.
- Use ibuprofen or
acetaminophen for
pain.
Think Prevention!
- Make sure kids wear safety gear during sports activities.
- Supervise children when they're playing — a
hard fall can happen anywhere, anytime.
- Avoid tugging hard on a young child's arm or shoulder, which can cause injury
or dislocation.
