Dislocation

Alternative Names

Joint dislocation

Prevention

Preventing injuries in children:

• Teach children how to be safe and look out for themselves.
• Create a safe environment around your home.
• Pay careful attention to preventing falls by gating stairways and keeping windows closed and locked.
• Supervise children carefully. There is no substitute for close supervision, no matter how safe the environment or situation appears to be.

Preventing dislocations in adults:

• Wear protective gear when participating in contact sports.
• Avoid falls by not standing on chairs, counter tops, or other unstable objects.
• Eliminate throw rugs, especially for the elderly.

For all age groups:

• Keep a first-aid kit handy.
• Use non-skid mats on the bottom of the bathtubs and avoid bath oils.
• Use handrails on staircases.
• Remove electrical cords from floor surfaces.

References

Browner, BD. Skeletal Trauma: Basic Science, Management, and Reconstruction. 3^rd Ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders; 2003:1629-1630.