In-game Management of Common Joint Dislocations

CONTEXT Sideline management of sports-related joint dislocations often places the treating medical professional in a challenging position. These injuries frequently require prompt evaluation, diagnosis, reduction, and postreduction management before they can be evaluated at a medical facility. Our objective is to review the mechanism, evaluation, reduction, and postreduction management of sports-related dislocations to the shoulder, elbow, finger, knee, patella, and ankle joints. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION A literature review was performed using the PubMed database to evaluate previous and current publications focused on joint dislocations. This review focused on articles published between 1980 and 2013. STUDY DESIGN Clinical review. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level 4. RESULTS The clinician should weigh the benefits and risks of on-field reduction based on their knowledge of the injury and the presence of associated injuries. CONCLUSION When properly evaluated and diagnosed, most sports-related dislocations can be reduced and initially managed at the game.