luxationen

Luxationen (dislocations) are injuries in which a bone is displaced from its normal position within a joint, leading to loss of contact between the joint surfaces. If only part of the surface remains in contact, the condition is called a subluxation; a luxation proper is a complete displacement.

Causes vary: most luxations are traumatic, resulting from falls, sports injuries, or vehicle accidents; others arise from joint laxity or underlying bone or ligament defects that predispose to instability. The shoulder is the most frequently dislocated joint, followed by the finger, hip, elbow, and jaw.

Clinical features include sudden intense pain, visible deformity or abnormal limb position, swelling, and an inability to move the joint. Numbness or tingling may indicate nerve involvement; diminished pulses or color changes may signal vascular injury. Diagnosis relies on history and examination, supported by imaging such as X-ray; CT or MRI may be used to assess fractures and soft-tissue injuries.

Treatment typically requires prompt reduction of the dislocated joint, usually under analgesia or anesthesia, followed by immobilization and gradual rehabilitation. The specific approach depends on the joint and the severity. Some luxations involve torn ligaments or damaged cartilage and may require surgical repair to restore stability and prevent recurrence.

Prognosis is generally favorable with timely treatment, but there is a risk of recurrence, especially in younger patients or certain joints. Complications can include nerve or blood vessel injury, avascular necrosis (notably in hip dislocations), osteoarthritis, and stiffness. Prevention focuses on protective equipment, conditioning, and addressing underlying instability.