• Caylyne Arnold, Zane Fayos, David Bruner, Dylan Arnold, Nachi Gupta, and Jeffrey Nusbaum.
• Clinical Faculty, Emergency Department, Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, CA.
• Emerg Med Pract. 2017 Dec 20; 19 (12 Suppl Points & Pearls): 1-2.

AbstractDislocation of the major joints of the lower extremities--hip, knee, and ankle--can occur due to motor-vehicle crashes, falls, and sports injuries. Hip dislocations are the most common, and they require emergent management to prevent avascular necrosis of the femoral head. Knee dislocations are uncommon but potentially dangerous injuries that can result in amputation due to the potential for missed secondary injury, especially if they are reduced spontaneously. Isolated ankle dislocations are relatively rare, as most ankle dislocations involve an associated fracture. This review presents an algorithmic approach to management that ensures that pain relief, imaging, reduction, vascular monitoring, and emergent orthopedic consultation are carried out in a timely fashion. [Points & Pearls is a digest of Emergency Medicine Practice.].

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