Classification

Clinical definitions

Shoulder dislocations:

• Types are based on direction of dislocation: anterior, posterior, or inferior (i.e., luxatio erecta)

• Can also be characterised as primary (i.e., first dislocation) or recurrent. [1]

Finger dislocations:

• Characterised by the joint involved: MCP, PIP, or DIP

• Also described by the direction of displacement (i.e., dorsal or volar in respect of position of distal part).

Patellar dislocations:

• Characterised by direction of dislocation, the majority being lateral

• Can also be described as primary (i.e., first dislocation) or recurrent.

Elbow dislocations:

• Characterised as simple or complex

• Simple elbow dislocations defined as acute dislocations that occur without fracture [2]

• Complex dislocations involve concomitant fractures of the proximal radius, ulna, or distal humerus. They can also be classified based on the direction of displacement of the radius and ulna with respect to the humerus (i.e., anterior or posterior). A posterior dislocation of the elbow associated with a fracture of the coronoid process and the radial head is described as the "terrible triad".