Risk factors

Risk factors for a joint dislocation include:

• Susceptibility to falls. Falling increases your chances of a dislocated joint if you use your arms to brace for impact or if you land forcefully on a body part, such as your hip or shoulder.
• Heredity. Some people are born with ligaments that are looser and more prone to injury than those of other people.
• Sports participation. Many dislocations occur during high-impact or contact sports, such as gymnastics, wrestling, basketball and football.
• Motor vehicle accidents. These are the most common cause of hip dislocations, especially for people not wearing a seat belt.