A joint dislocation, also called luxation, occurs when there is an abnormal separation in the joint, where two or more bones meet. A partial dislocation is referred to as a subluxation. Dislocations are commonly caused by sudden trauma to the joint like during a car accident or fall. A joint dislocation can damage the surrounding ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves. Dislocations can occur in any major joint (shoulder, knees, hips) or minor joint (toes, fingers). The most common joint dislocation is a shoulder dislocation.

The treatment for joint dislocation is usually by closed reduction, that is, skilled manipulation to return the bones to their normal position. Only trained medical professionals should perform reductions since the manipulation can cause injury to the surrounding soft tissue, nerves, or vascular structures.

The following symptoms are common with any type of dislocation.

Joint dislocations can have associated injuries to surrounding tissues and structures, including muscle strains, ligament and tendon injuries, neurovascular injuries, and fractures. Depending on the location of the dislocation, there are different complications to consider.

In the shoulder, vessel and nerve injuries are rare, but can cause many impairments and requires a longer recovery process. Knee dislocations are rare, but can be complicated by injuries to arteries and nerves, leading to limb-threatening complications. Degenerative changes following injury to the wrist are common, with many developing arthritis. Persistent nerve pain years after the initial trauma is not uncommon. Most finger dislocations occur in the middle of the finger (PIP) and are complicated by ligamentous injury (volar plate). Since most dislocations involving the joint near the fingertip (DIP joint) are due to trauma, there is often an associated fracture or tissue injury. Hip dislocations are at risk for osteonecrosis of the femoral head, femoral head fractures, the development of osteoarthritis, and sciatic nerve injury. Given the strength of ligaments in the foot and ankle, ankle dislocation-fractures can occur.

Joint dislocations are caused by trauma to the joint or when an individual falls on a specific joint. Great and sudden force applied, by either a blow or fall, to the joint can cause the bones in the joint to be displaced or dislocated from their normal position. With each dislocation, the ligaments keeping the bones fixed in the correct position can be damaged or loosened, making it easier for the joint to be dislocated in the future.

A variety of risk factors can predispose individuals to joint dislocation. They can vary depending on location of the joint. Genetic factors and underlying medical conditions can further increase risk. Genetic conditions, such as hypermobility syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome put individuals at increased risk for dislocations. Hypermobility syndrome is an inherited disorder that affects the ligaments around joints. The loosened or stretched ligaments in the joint provide less stability and allow for the joint to dislocate more easily. Dislocation can also occur because of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. In Rheumatoid arthritis the production of synovial fluid decreases, gradually causing pain, swollen joints, and stiffness. A forceful push causes friction and can dislocate the joint. Notably, joint instability in the neck is a potential complication of rheumatoid arthritis.

Participation in sports, being male, variations in the shape of the joint, being older, and joint hypermobility in males are risk factors associated with an increased risk of first time dislocation. Risk factors for recurrent dislocation include participation in sports, being a young male, a history of a previous dislocation with an associated injury, and any history of previous dislocation.