Editing Joint dislocation (section)

==== Reduction/Repositioning ====
X-rays are taken to confirm the diagnosis and detect any associated fractures. A dislocation is easily seen on an X-ray.<ref name="Dias_1987">{{cite journal | vauthors = Dias JJ, Steingold RF, Richardson RA, Tesfayohannes B, Gregg PJ | title = The conservative treatment of acromioclavicular dislocation. Review after five years | journal = The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. British Volume | volume = 69 | issue = 5 | pages = 719–22 | date = November 1987 | pmid = 3680330 | doi = 10.1302/0301-620X.69B5.3680330 }}</ref> Once X-rays are taken, the joint is usually manipulated back into position. This can be a very painful process. This is typically done either in the [[emergency department]] under [[sedation]] or in an [[operating room]] under a [[general anaesthetic]].<ref name="pmid5483077">{{cite journal | vauthors = Holdsworth F | title = Fractures, dislocations, and fracture-dislocations of the spine | journal = The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. American Volume | volume = 52 | issue = 8 | pages = 1534–51 | date = December 1970 | pmid = 5483077 | doi = | url = }}</ref> A dislocated joint should be [[reduction (orthopedic surgery)|reduced]] into its normal position only by a trained medical professional. Trying to reduce a joint without any training could worsen the injury.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Bankart AB | title = The pathology and treatment of recurrent dislocation of the shoulder-joint. | journal = Journal of British Surgery | date = July 1938 | volume = 26 | issue = 101 | pages = 23–29 | doi = 10.1002/bjs.18002610104 }}</ref>

It is important to reduce the joint as soon as possible. Delaying reduction can compromise the blood supply to the joint. This is especially true in the case of a dislocated ankle, due to the anatomy of the blood supply to the foot.<ref name="pmid11764423">{{cite journal | vauthors = Ganz R, Gill TJ, Gautier E, Ganz K, Krügel N, Berlemann U | title = Surgical dislocation of the adult hip a technique with full access to the femoral head and acetabulum without the risk of avascular necrosis | journal = The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. British Volume | volume = 83 | issue = 8 | pages = 1119–1124 | date = November 2001 | pmid = 11764423 | doi = 10.1302/0301-620x.83b8.11964 }}</ref> On field reduction is crucial for joint dislocations. As they are extremely common in sports events, managing them correctly at the game at the time of injury, can reduce long term issues. They require prompt evaluation, diagnosis, reduction, and post-reduction management before the person can be evaluated at a medical facility.<ref name="Skelley 246–255" /> After a dislocation, injured joints are usually held in place by a [[Splint (medicine)|splint]] (for straight joints like fingers and toes) or a [[bandage]] (for complex joints like shoulders).