DISLOCATION
This is a more severe injury than a sprain. It occurs when a strong force acts directly or indirectly on a joint pulling a bone into an abnormal position. It can occur as a result of sudden muscular contraction too. There is displacement of one or more bones at a joint. There is also tearing of ligaments, joint capsule, and tissues around the joint. Shoulder and hip joints are commonly involved in adults, while elbow, finger, and lower jaw joints are more commonly involved in children. The condition is diagnosed by the following features.
1. There is severe pain at or near the joint.
2. Deformity is seen.
3. Swelling of the joint and late bruising around the joint.
4. There is immobility of the joint.
5. It may be associated with a fracture.
First-aid
1. Place the victim down in supine position.
2. Do not try to reduce the dislocation.
3. Do not give him anything orally.
4. Apply a sling in case of hands.
5. Shift him to a hospital immediately. Use a stretcher in case of dislocation in the lower limb.
□ DISLOCATION OF SHOULDER
It is caused by a fall on the shoulder or a wrenching force to the upper limb. The condition is diagnosed by the following features.
1. There is severe pain in the shoulder joint.
2. The victim is reluctant to move the upper limb because of the pain. He casually often supports the limb at the elbow by the other hand, and tilts his head on that side.
3. The shoulder appears flat and angular.
First-aid
1. Place the victim is sitting position.
2. Place the affected limb across his chest in a position of minimum pain.
3. Place soft padding between the arm and the chest.
4. Do not try to reduce the dislocation.
5. Do not give him anything orally.
6. Shift him to a hospital immediately.
□ BACK SPRAIN
The neck and lower back are the most common sites of ligament sprain or muscle strain. They can be caused by prolonged bending forwards. Neck sprain may be caused by the whiplash effect produced in a car accident. The condition is diagnosed by the following features.
1. There is pain in the back or neck, increased by movement.
2. There is spasm of the muscles of the neck or back.
3. Tingling and numbness of the upper limbs may be present due to involvement of nerves supplying them.
First-aid
1. Place the victim in supine position.
2. Ask him not to move the head.
3. Shift him to hospital if the pain does not go away with analgesics and rest.
4. A collar may be applied around the neck to support it.
PROLAPSED INTERVERTEBRAL DISC (SLIPPED DISC)
This occurs when a part of cartilage which separates adjacent vertebrae protrudes backwards into the spinal column. It causes compression of the spinal cord and/or spinal nerve roots. The condition is diagnosed by the following features.
1. There is a sudden, severe pain in the back that may radiate towards the legs.
2. It may be aggravated by movements.
3. There may be tingling and numbness in the limbs, below the level of the disc protrusion.
4. There may be motor paralysis below the level of the disc prolapse.
First-aid
1. Place the casualty flat on a firm surface in the most comfortable position.
2. Shift him to a hospital immediately.