Dislocation of joints occurs when one of the two bones that make up a joint separate from the other bone.
Dislocations can occur in the ankle, shoulder, hip, finger, elbow and knee. Dislocations can happen because of a sudden twist, a fall or a direct strike to the joint.
Dislocations are not always healed by ‘popping’ the bone back into place. Tendons, ligaments, cartilage or muscles could be stretched or torn. Nerves and blood vessels could also be damaged, or a piece of bone could be broken that extends into the joint.
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