Name that Joint!
The joint that is most commonly dislocated in sports is.....
Glenohumeral (Shoulder)
Anterior shoulder dislocation with no fracture
Reduce
This finding automatically rules out onsite reduction.
A fracture
Reducing a joint without physician standing orders.
Illegal
This joint dislocation is considered limb‑threatening due to high vascular injury risk.
Tibiofemoral (Knee)
Lateral patellar dislocation in a basketball player
Reduce
This vascular finding requires immediate referral and no reduction attempt.
An absent distal pulse
Reducing a joint after obtaining written preseason consent.
Legal
This joint dislocation is an orthopedic emergency and often involves sciatic nerve injury.
Femoroacetabular (Hip)
Any dislocation where your physician has not given you permission
REFER
This population has open physes (growth plates), making onsite reduction unsafe.
Adolescents
Reducing a joint in a state where ATs cannot perform reductions.
Illegal unless following physicians orders
This joint is rarely reduced onsite because of high fracture and neurovascular risk.
Humeroulnar/Radioulnar (Elbow)
Elbow deformity after a fall, with swelling and suspected fracture.
This condition increases risk of complications and makes onsite reduction not recommended
Diabetes Mellitus
Reducing a joint when the AT has no documented training or competency.
Illegal
This joint often has soft‑tissue entrapment that prevents complete reduction.
MCP Joint
Hip dislocation with intact pulses and no fracture signs.
Up to clinician, but still needs to be referred for further imaging
This type of shoulder dislocation should never be reduced onsite by an AT.
Posterior
Reducing a joint when the athlete is a minor and no parental consent was obtained.
Not permitted