Subluxation/Dislocation

Shoulder Dislocation/Subluxation

Dislocation: humerus pops out, stays out

Subluxation: humerus pops out, spontaneously pops back in

Shoulder Dislocation/Subluxation Causes

• anterior blow while abducted

• forceful contraction of muscles

• FOOSH

Shoulder Dislocation/Subluxation Playing Status

Cannot return to play until:

• examined and released by a health care provider

• full, pain-free ROM and strength

Shoulder Dislocation/Subluxation Prevention

Shoulder strengthening programs

Shoulder Dislocation/Subluxation S&S

Subluxation:

• intense pain where the humerus connects to the clavicle

• a sense of looseness or giving away

• tingling in the arm or hand

• athlete reporting that they felt or heard a pop

Dislocation:

• inability to move the arm

• flat appearance of the shoulder

• are being held slightly out from the body

• lack of sensation in the arm or hand

• bluish are or hand

Shoulder Dislocation/Subluxation First Aid

Subluxation:

• immobilize the arm with a sling and secure the arm to the body with an elastic wrap

• monitor and treat for shock if needed, and call EMS if shock occurs

• refer the athlete to the appropriate health care provider (if shock does not occur)

Dislocation: call EMS if delayed more than 20 mins

• stabilize the arm in the position found - do not attempt to move the humerus back into place

• monitor and treat for shock until help arrives

Elbow Dislocation/Subluxation

Dislocation: ulna shifts out, stays out

Subluxation: ulna shifts out, spontaneously shifts back in

Elbow Dislocation/Subluxation Causes

• direct blow in an extended, weight-bearing position

• FOOSH

• severe elbow sprain

• force hyperextension of the elbow

Elbow Dislocation/Subluxation Playing Status

Cannot return to play until:

• examined and released by a health care provider

• full, pain-free ROM and strength

Elbow Dislocation/Subluxation Prevention

• preseason strengthening and flexibility exercises for shoulder, elbow, and forearm muscles

Elbow Dislocation/Subluxation S&S

Subluxation:

• tingling down the forearm and hand

• lack of sensation in the hand

• feeling or hearing a pop

• a sense of looseness or giving away

• extreme tenderness around the elbow

• swelling

Dislocation:

• deformity

• the elbow in a slightly bent position

• intense pain, swelling, or another deformity around the elbow area

• tingling down the forearm and hand

• lack of sensation in the hand

• feeling or hearing a pop

• a sense of looseness or giving away

• inability to bend or straighten the elbow

• extreme tenderness around the elbow

Elbow Dislocation/Subluxation First Aid

Subluxation:

• immobilize the arm with a sling and secure the arm to the body with an elastic wrap

• monitor and treat for shock if needed, and call EMS if shock occurs

• refer the athlete to the appropriate health care provider (if shock does not occur)

Dislocation:

• call EMS

• stabilize the arm in the position found - do not attempt to put the ulna back into place

• monitor and treat for shock until help arrives

Finger/Thumb Dislocation

Phalanx shifts out of position at the MCP or IP joints

Finger/Thumb Dislocation Causes

• direct blow to end of finger/thumb

• forceful crushing or pinching of the finger/thumb between two objects

Finger/Thumb Dislocation Playing Status

Cannot return to play until:

• examined and released by a health care provider

• full, pain-free ROM and strength

• protective buddy taping may be needed

Finger/Thumb Dislocation Prevention

• preseason strengthening and flexibility exercises for the wrist and hand muscles

• buddy taping previously injured fingers

Finger/Thumb Dislocation S&S

• intense pain

• tingling in the finger

• lack of sensation in the finger

• extreme tenderness around the finger joint

• feeling or hearing a pop

• sense of looseness or giving away

• finger stuck in a bent position

• inability to bend or straighten the finger

• swelling

• deformity

Finger/Thumb Dislocation First Aid

1. call EMS if the athlete is experiencing shock, or if you see signs or nerve damage or disrupted circulation

If none of those signs are present

• immobilize the hand and finger (in the position found)

• send the athlete to the appropriate health care provider