TOPIC OVERVIEW .
A dislocation can cause pain, swelling, and weakness. Your child may also have trouble moving the injured area. An exam and X-rays are often needed to diagnose a dislocation.
The bones must be put back into their proper position so the joint can heal.
The bones must be put back into their proper position so the joint can heal.
OBJECTIVES .
In this video we show what to do if your baby has a dislocated joint and how to recognise the signs of a dislocated joint. Babies’ joints can be delicate and they can become dislocated. This can happen if a strong force pulls a limb into an abnormal position, such as pulling them up by their hands or pulling their arm through a sleeve when getting them dressed.
REQUIRED MATERIALS .
Students require a file and/or folder, pen and paper and this will form the basis of the student's "Best Book".
CONTENT (LESSON BODY) .
ASSESSMENT .
All NPF officers should learn, practice and understand the content of this video.
The assessment, which will be undertaken, is both a written and practical test with a final exam.
The assessment, which will be undertaken, is both a written and practical test with a final exam.
SUMMARY & TAKEAWAY .
A dislocation is a joint injury. It occurs when the ends of 2 connected bones come apart. It is not common in younger children. This is because their growth plates are weaker than the muscles or tendons. Growth plates are the areas at the end of long bones where the bones grow. Dislocations happen more often among teens.
A dislocation happens when extreme force is put on a joint. It can occur if your child falls or takes a hit to the body, such as while playing a contact sport.
When a dislocation occurs, ligaments can be torn. Ligaments are flexible bands of fibrous tissue. They join various bones and cartilage. They also bind the bones in a joint together. The hip and shoulder joints, for example, are called ball and socket joints. Lots of force on the ligaments in these joints can cause the head of the bone (ball) to partly or fully come out of the socket. The most commonly dislocated joint is the shoulder.
Each child may feel symptoms a bit differently. But below are the most common symptoms a child will have in the dislocated area:
Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is.
All dislocations need medical care right away to prevent additional injury. Untreated dislocations can lead to serious problems. Treatment may include:
A dislocation happens when extreme force is put on a joint. It can occur if your child falls or takes a hit to the body, such as while playing a contact sport.
When a dislocation occurs, ligaments can be torn. Ligaments are flexible bands of fibrous tissue. They join various bones and cartilage. They also bind the bones in a joint together. The hip and shoulder joints, for example, are called ball and socket joints. Lots of force on the ligaments in these joints can cause the head of the bone (ball) to partly or fully come out of the socket. The most commonly dislocated joint is the shoulder.
Each child may feel symptoms a bit differently. But below are the most common symptoms a child will have in the dislocated area:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bruising or redness
- Numbness or weakness
- Deformity
- Trouble using or moving the joint in a normal way
Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is.
All dislocations need medical care right away to prevent additional injury. Untreated dislocations can lead to serious problems. Treatment may include:
- R.I.C.E. This stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation of the dislocated area.
- Repositioning. Sometimes the bone ends may go back into place by themselves. If not, your child’s healthcare provider will need to manually move the bones back into their proper position so the joint can heal. You may be referred to an orthopedic specialist before or after repositioning.
- Splint or cast. This treatment keeps the dislocated area in place while it heals. It also protects the area from motion or use.
- Medicine. Certain medicines can ease pain.
- Traction.This treatment gently stretches the muscles and tendons around the bone ends to help with the dislocation. It uses pulleys, strings, weights, and a metal frame attached over or on the bed.
- Surgery. Your child may need this treatment if the dislocation happens again and again. It may also be done if a muscle, tendon, or ligament is badly torn or if the dislocation can't be repositioned without surgery.
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