By Charlie on Monday, October 06, 2003 - 09:13 am:

I was diagnosed with HMS about a week ago after my kneecap failed to heal after a dislocation. My kneecaps and shoulder joints seem to pop out of place for no apparent reason, although they right themselves soon after. Is this what my doctor is referring to as sublaxation, the joint sliding around but not fully dislocating?

Many Thanks

Charlie

By Hamfist on Monday, October 06, 2003 - 08:40 pm:

When the joint has come right out of its seat it has dislocated and, interestingly, you will see contortionists intentionally dislocating (usually shoulder) without pain. Sublux is the term where the joint has come off its seat and is proceeding towards dislocation. There is the problem, because the natural tendency of the body is to protect itself so as the joint moves towards dislocation muscles often go into spasm to try to stop the dislocation. If the joint dislocates under this muscle spasm it is very painful and hard to reseat.

Ever seen a sports person dislocate a shoulder and then get carried off on a stretcher in great pain? Doesn't happen to a contortionist doing intentional dislocation!