Which joint is most frequently involved with subluxations and/or dislocations?
Sarah Cherry
Published Mar 03, 2026
Which joint is most frequently involved with subluxations and/or dislocations?
The most common dislocations and subluxations in sport occur to the shoulder, elbow, fingers, and knee (kneecap). In the shoulder, falling on an outstretched arm (arm/shoulder slipped out) can cause either condition.
Are dislocations and subluxations the same thing?
Dislocation is injury to a joint that causes adjoining bones to no longer touch each other. Subluxation is a minor or incomplete dislocation in which the joint surfaces still touch but are not in normal relation to each other.
What are dislocations subluxations?
A dislocation occurs when the bones in a joint become separated or knocked out of their usual positions. Any joint in the body can become dislocated. If the joint is partially dislocated, it is called a subluxation.
Is subluxation worse than dislocation?
A subluxation can be more difficult to identify than a complete dislocation. However, in some cases, the partially dislocated humerus is visible under the skin. A person may be able to feel the ball of the humerus moving in and out of the shoulder socket, which is usually uncomfortable and can be painful.
How are joint dislocations and subluxations related to joint sprains?
Joint dislocation is referred to as subluxation when the condyle is only momentarily out of the joint and relocates spontaneously. Dislocation is often very painful and there may be persistent or residual pain (from joint sprain) following relocation. Jaw manipulation is required to reposition the condyle.
What is the difference between patellar subluxation and dislocation?
In a patellar dislocation, the patella gets pushed completely out of the groove. The other type of instability is known as chronic patellar instability. In this type, the kneecap usually only slides partly out of the groove. This is known as a subluxation.
What is the difference between dislocation and displacement?
Well, a good place is to first understand the difference between a dislocation and a subluxation. A dislocation is defined as “displacement of a bone from its natural position in the joint”. This is where the two bones that form a joint fully separate from each other.
Are subluxations painful?
A subluxation is basically defined as “a partial dislocation”. It can be no less painful than a full dislocation, but the two bones that form the joint are still partially in contact with each other.
Do subluxations hurt?
What does subluxation look like?
If you have weak muscles from inactivity or illness, you may be at a greater risk for subluxation. You may be able to see the subluxation under your skin. Your shoulder may appear somewhat misshapen or dislocated. It may look strange, or your arm may rest at an unusual angle.