Overview of dislocations

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A dislocation is complete separation of the bones that form a joint. In subluxation, the bones in a joint are partly out of position. Often, a dislocated joint remains dislocated until it is put back in place (reduced) by a doctor, but sometimes it moves back in place on its own.

Most injuries to joints result from injuries or overuse.
The dislocated part hurts (especially when it is used), is usually swollen, and may be bruised or look distorted, bent, or out of place.
Other injuries, such as fractures, blood vessel and nerve damage, compartment syndrome, infections, and long-lasting joint problems, may also be present or develop.
Doctors can sometimes diagnose dislocations based on symptoms, the circumstances causing the injury, and results of a physical examination, but sometimes x-rays or other imaging tests are needed.
Treatment involves putting the bones back in place (reduction), usually by manipulation, and immobilizing them, but sometimes surgery is needed.
Many dislocations cause no long-lasting problems, but some weaken or tear the ligaments and tendons that stabilize the joint.
Joints may become stiff, and muscles may shorten or waste away when a joint is immobilized.

Joints are part of the musculoskeletal system, which consists of bones, muscles, and the tissues that connect them (ligaments, tendons, and other connective tissue, called soft tissues). The musculoskeletal system gives the body its form, makes it stable, and enables it to move.
In dislocations, the bones in a joint are completely separated. In subluxation, the bones are only partly out of position, not completely separated. Dislocations can be accompanied by injuries to other tissues of the musculoskeletal system, such as the following:

Fractures: Bones can be cracked or broken. Usually, the tissues around the fractured bones are also injured.
Sprains: Ligaments (which attach bone to bone) can be torn.
Strains: Muscles can be torn.
Tendon rupture: Tendons (which attach muscle to bone) can be torn.

Dislocations, fractures, sprains, and strains (collectively called musculoskeletal injuries) vary greatly in severity and in the treatment needed.
Dislocations may be open (the skin is torn) or closed (the skin is not torn).
Dislocations usually involve a limb but can occur in other parts of the body, such as the jaw, neck, or spine.
The prognosis and treatment of dislocations vary greatly depending on the location and severity of the dislocation.