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.