A joint subluxation is a partial dislocation of a joint.
Some of the more commonly affected joints include those of the spine, shoulder, kneecap, and elbow.
The subluxation may involve aligament rupturewith or without injury to the vertebra (spinal bones) itself.
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The termsubluxationis also commonly and inappropriately used bychiropractors.
Is a vertebral subluxation a pinched nerve?
No, they are not the same.
Severe injury or trauma is most often the cause of shoulder subluxation.
Pain and loss of motion are common and often extreme.
A subluxation of the patella shows up when the kneecap moves partially out of that groove.
Patellar subluxation is the most common knee problem in children and adolescents.
Elbow Subluxation
Elbow subluxations can occur when someone falls onto their hands.
Though elbowluxations(dislocations) are typically very painful, subluxations may not be as obvious.
The elbow may move perfectly well, although there may be a dull or sharp pain.
Children under seven can get a throw in of subluxation called a radial head subluxation (a.k.a.
“nursemaid’s elbow”).
This can happen when the childs arm is pulled a little too roughly.
Because the bones and muscles of younger children are still growing, dislocation can occur quite easily.
Although painful, a nursemaids elbow can be easily reset by a healthcare provider.
Causes
Subluxations most often occur as the result of trauma to a joint.
Traumatic causes of joint subluxation include:
Subluxations can also occur as a result of loose joints.
For example, people with generalizedjoint laxityandEhlers-Danlos syndromehave joints that are overly flexible.
Individuals with these conditions are prone to subluxations, often without any instigating trauma or injury.
Arthritis can also cause joint subluxations.
Diagnosis
Joint subluxation is typically diagnosed with a physical exam and imaging studies.
The healthcare provider will ask questions about any incidents or accidents that preceded the injury.
They will also check for serious injuries, including arterial and nerve damage.
This may involve turning or pulling the limb.
Joint surgery is performed by anorthopedic surgeonwho specializes in muscle and skeletal diseases and disorders.
It may requireopen surgeryor be performedarthroscopically.
Severe subluxations can cause long-term impairment and instability.
This may involve in-office procedures and at-home exercises and treatments.
Summary
A joint subluxation is when the joint becomes partially dislocated.
It can be triggered by an injury, repetitive motion, or certain medical conditions.
Joint subluxation may cause pain and a sensation of joint instability.
It is common in joints such as the spine, shoulder, kneecap, and elbow.
Joint subluxation is typically diagnosed with imaging such as X-ray or MRI.
It is usually treated conservatively with rest and physical therapy.
2021;10(11):4303-4306. doi:10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_648_21
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