Sideline Management of Joint Dislocations

Abstract

Athletes can sustain a large variety of injuries from simple soft tissue sprains to complex fractures and joint dislocations. This article reviews and provides the most recent information for sports medicine professionals on the management of simple and complex joint dislocations, i.e., irreducible and/or associated with a fracture, from the sidelines without the benefit of imaging. For each joint, the relevant anatomy, common mechanisms, sideline assessment, reduction techniques, initial treatment, and potential complications will be discussed, which allow for the safe and prompt return of athletes to the field of play.

Suggested Curricular Guidelines for Musculoskeletal and Sports Medicine in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency Training

“…Residents should be able to respond to medical emergencies, and recognize life-threatening conditions (e.g., sudden cardiac arrest, hypothermia, heat exhaustion vs heat stroke, pneumothorax, exercise-induced bronchospasm/asthma, hypoglycemia, abdominal, and/or pelvic trauma, acute neurologic injuries, and ear-nose-throat injuries) (25)(26)(27). They should be familiar with sideline concussion evaluations, evaluate and manage acute joint dislocations, and have an understanding of the factors impacting return to play decisions (19,(28)(29)(30). In addition, residents must understand not only environmental factors (e.g., heat or cold related illness, anaphylaxis, altitude) but also how to react to environmental emergencies, such as lightning strikes (4,25,27).…”

“…, sudden cardiac arrest, hypothermia, heat exhaustion vs heat stroke, pneumothorax, exercise-induced bronchospasm/asthma, hypoglycemia, abdominal, and/or pelvic trauma, acute neurologic injuries, and ear-nose-throat injuries) (25–27). They should be familiar with sideline concussion evaluations, evaluate and manage acute joint dislocations, and have an understanding of the factors impacting return to play decisions (19,28–30). In addition, residents must understand not only environmental factors ( e.g.…”