Dislocated joint:
- Don’t try to put it back.
- Keep the joint comfortable with a bandage or sling.
- Take or send the casualty to hospital.
- Treat for shock.
What are dislocated joints?
A dislocated joint happens when bones are partly or completely pulled out of their normal position. Joints can dislocate when a strong force wrenches or pulls the bone into an abnormal position.
Signs and symptoms
Someone with a dislocated joint may:
- have swelling and bruising around the joint and it may look shorter, bent or deformed.
- complain of a severe, sickening pain
- be unable to move the joint
What to do
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Advise the casualty to stay still. Help them to support their dislocated joint in the most comfortable position. Offer simple pain relief such as Paracetamol, if they can take it.
- Do not try to put the dislocated bone back into its socket, as this may cause further injury.
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Stop the joint from moving.
- If you think they have dislocated their shoulder or elbow, support the injured arm using a sling. To give comfort and support, tie a broad-fold bandage (wide bandage) around the chest and the sling. If a hand or arm is injured, remove any watches in case of swelling.
- If you think they have dislocated their ankle, knee or hip joint, support the injured leg using padding and broad-fold bandages.
- With a lower limb joint, make sure they don't put any weight on it.
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Send the casualty to hospital. Call 999 or 112 for emergency help if you can’t take them yourself.
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While waiting for help, treat for shock if necessary. Monitor their level of response.
- Do not raise an injured leg. Only raise the uninjured leg.
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Check the circulation beyond any bandages every 10 minutes and loosen if necessary.
How to make an arm sling
An arm sling holds the forearm in a raised or horizontal position and can support an injured upper arm, forearm and wrist. The sling is also a useful visual warning to others that someone is injured.
