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Risk factors
By Mayo Clinic staffRisk factors for a joint dislocation include:
- Susceptibility to falls. Experiencing a fall exposes you to the possibility of a dislocated joint, if you use your arms to brace for impact or if you land forcefully on a body part such as your hip or shoulder.
- Heredity. Some people are born with ligaments that are looser and more prone to injury than those of most people.
- Sports participation. Many dislocations occur during participation in high-impact or contact sports, such as gymnastics, wrestling, basketball and football.
- Motor vehicle accidents. These are the most common cause of hip dislocations, but you can greatly reduce your risk of injury by wearing a seat belt.
References
- Questions and answers about shoulder problems. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Shoulder_Problems/default.asp. Accessed Oct. 28, 2010.
- Hip dislocation. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00352. Accessed Oct. 28, 2010.
- Abate J. Dislocations and soft tissue injuries of the knee. In: Browner BD, et al. Skeletal Trauma: Basic Science, Management, and Reconstruction. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/224870070-2/0/1867/60.html?tocnode=56559976&fromURL=60.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2220-6..10055-6_2739. Accessed Nov. 1, 2010.
- Elbow dislocations and fracture-dislocations. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00029. Accessed Oct. 28, 2010.
- Micheo W, et al. Glenohumeral instability. In: Frontera WR, et al. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: Musculoskeletal Disorders, Pain, and Rehabilitation. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/224870070-4/0/1678/16.html?tocnode=55147626&fromURL=16.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-4007-1..50015-8_189. Accessed Oct. 28, 2010.
- Handout on health: Sports injuries. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Sports_Injuries/default.asp. Accessed Oct. 28, 2010.
- Preventing falls among seniors. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/duip/spotlite/falltips.htm. Accessed Oct. 28, 2010.
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