A. Trauma, usually blunt force

B. Congenital

C. Pathologic

D. Neuromuscular diseases, such as muscular dystrophy, CVAs

E. Inflammatory joint diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis

F. Ligamentous laxity: condition in which ligamentous structures are loose, stretched, or injured; can lead to injury or dislocation such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

G. Commonly seen in persons younger than age 20

H. Often associated with fractures

I. Common sites

A. Swelling around peripheral joints

B. May have obvious joint deformity

C. Loss of range of motion (ROM)

A. X-rays reveal area and extent of subluxation.

B. Complete blood count may show elevated WBC count (greater than 10,000 mm/L) as result of stress response to trauma.

A. Early reduction of subluxation; many reduce spontaneously

B. Immobilization: cast, splint, sling, brace

C. Physical therapy for muscle-strengthening exercises

D. NSAIDs for pain and swelling

E. Narcotics rarely needed, except in cases of multiple trauma

A. Complete loss of articulation of bone ends within the joint capsule

B. Caused by complete displacement or separation of the bone end from its position in the joint