In-game Management of Common Joint Dislocations

Abstract

Context:

Sideline management of sports-related joint dislocations often places the treating medical professional in a challenging position. These injuries frequently require prompt evaluation, diagnosis, reduction, and postreduction management before they can be evaluated at a medical facility. Our objective is to review the mechanism, evaluation, reduction, and postreduction management of sports-related dislocations to the shoulder, elbow, finger, knee, patella, and ankle joints.

Evidence Acquisition:

A literature review was performed using the PubMed database to evaluate previous and current publications focused on joint dislocations. This review focused on articles published between 1980 and 2013.

Study Design:

Clinical review.

Level of Evidence:

Level 4.

Results:

The clinician should weigh the benefits and risks of on-field reduction based on their knowledge of the injury and the presence of associated injuries.

Conclusion:

When properly evaluated and diagnosed, most sports-related dislocations can be reduced and initially managed at the game.