How Common Are Joint Dislocations In Athletes? Risk Factors & Treatments

Do Things Seem Out Of Place?

Joint dislocations represent 3.6% of all contact sports injuries in high school students. Similar statistics happen across all ages. Joints are the point where two bones meet, giving the body part a range of motion. A joint dislocation occurs when a bone slips out of the normal position in the joint. Dislocations can occur in different joints such as the knee, shoulder, hip, elbow, or ankle. Even smaller joints such as the fingers and toes are prone to dislocation.

Signs and symptoms of joint dislocations

A dislocation has several signs and symptoms. With athletes, joint dislocations are easy to detect since the injury often happens after a collision or fall. Dislocated joints cause symptoms of pain, swelling, and bruising. The joint feels tender to the touch. Most of all, the joint loses range of motion and is visibly out of place. In sports, some dislocations happen more often than others.

Look out for shoulder dislocations

Shoulder dislocations account for 67.3% of injuries in contact sports for athletes. This type of dislocation happens when the ball of the upper arm bone slips out of the shoulder socket, particularly with a fall. There is a higher probability of a shoulder dislocation recurring if the dislocation happened before. Football is a prime example of a sport with an increased number of shoulder dislocations.

Your elbow can dislocate too!

Elbow dislocations are the second most common type of dislocation injury. These dislocations take a lot of force and typically cause a fracture as well. The most common cause is landing on an outstretched arm. On the point of impact, the forearm bone moves sideways out of the joint. Skateboarders, cyclists, and gymnasts are prone to elbow dislocations.

Don’t rule out these small joints

Athletes can dislocate the middle knuckles of the fingers, excluding the thumb. When a baseball catcher stops a fastball, for instance, the finger can bend backward, causing a dislocation. Basketball players also jam fingers when competing for a rebound or loose ball. Dislocated fingers are the only dislocation that can be treated on-site, allowing the player to get back in the game.

Risk factors for injury

Joints are quite strong and durable, but there are risk factors that increase the chances of dislocation. Age, past injuries, and previous dislocations are the biggest risk factors. Earlier dislocations, in particular, are a risk since stretched or torn tissue is more prevalent after injury. Some conditions increase the elasticity of tissues. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and Marfan syndrome are some examples. Take the necessary precautions to protect the joints and participate safely in sports if these are factors.

How can they be treated?

Treating a joint dislocation consists of 2 parts. First, the bone has to go back to the natural position. The doctor or physical therapist will use maneuvers to get the bone back in place. From there, the next step is to keep the bone in place while managing pain. The athlete will need a sling or splint for the joint. NSAIDs and other medications can help. If the joint dislocation affects the surrounding tendons and ligaments, surgery may be necessary.

Prevent dislocations today

Joint dislocations can happen at any time during a sport. Athletes can reduce the chances of joint dislocation by increasing strength in the muscles around the joint. If the dislocation still happens, seek help immediately to mobilize the joint and get the bones back in place. Be aware of the risk factors and enjoy playing sports while being safe.