NATA Position Statement - Immediate Management of Joint Dislocations

Joint dislocations are common in athletes and physically active populations. Early recognition, reduction, and management of these injuries, when appropriate, has several advantages for the patient; however, persistent controversy remains about the immediate management of acute and recurrent joint dislocations by Athletic Trainers. Additionally, there is substantial practice variability in how joint dislocations are managed. This is due to gaps in knowledge, competency, and performance. The purpose of this EBP course is to review recent evidence-based recommendations for the immediate management of joint dislocations and to apply these recommendations to examples for commonly injured joints.