dislodgment

Dislodgment is the removal or displacement of an object from its original position where it was secured or supported. It can result from external forces, structural failure, erosion, or changes in the surrounding environment. The concept is used across disciplines to describe the process by which something becomes dislodged and may subsequently move, fall, or become unstable.

Causes vary by context but commonly include mechanical impact, vibrations, ground movement such as landslides or earthquakes, gradual loosening due to corrosion or weathering, hydraulic or buoyant forces, and failures of anchorage or support systems. In medical settings, dislodgment can refer to the unintended movement of a medical device or fragment from its intended position, such as a dislodled implant, suture, or dental piece.

Applications and implications differ by field: in geology and geomorphology, dislodgment contributes to rockfalls, sediment transport, and slope instability; in civil engineering, inadequate anchorage or footing can lead to tile collapse or masonry dislodgment; in dentistry and medicine, trauma or improper healing can produce tooth dislodgment or implant loosening.

Prevention focuses on securing attachments, improving design against dynamic loads, controlling environmental conditions, and monitoring for signs of loosening. When dislodgment occurs, the object may require repositioning, repair, or removal to restore safety and function.