A dislocation is when the bones in a joint slip out of their normal position. A dislocated thumb may happen from a fall, blow, or sports injury, especially if the thumb is bent back or jammed. More to Know An X-ray is usually used to diagnose a dislocated thumb. The bones may move back into place on their own or a doctor may gently put the joint back with a quick maneuver called a reduction. In some cases, surgery is needed to repair the joint. To keep the joint from dislocating again, a splint is put on the thumb (the splint might later be changed to a cast). The splint or cast is worn for a few weeks while the thumb heals. Also, a sling (sleeve to hold the arm up) may be fitted to help with swelling. Keep in Mind With proper treatment, most people who dislocate a thumb can gradually return to their normal activities. The thumb may feel sore or stiff for a while. All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts. Back to Articles Related Articles Word! Joints Joints are the places in your body where bones meet. Read More Word! Dislocation We all have places on our bodies that bend, like elbows and knees. Read More Household Safety: Preventing Injuries From Falling, Climbing, and Grabbing Here's how to help protect kids from a dangerous fall or a tumble into a sharp edge in your home. Read More A to Z: Dislocation, Finger A dislocation is when the bones in a joint slip out of their normal position. A finger dislocation may happen from a fall, blow, or sports injury, especially if the finger is bent back or jammed. Read More First Aid: Dislocations A dislocation happens when two connected bones are separated. These injuries require emergency medical care to avoid further damage. Read More First Aid: Falls Although most result in mild bumps and bruises, some falls can cause serious injuries that need medical attention. Read More X-Ray Exam: Finger Doctors may order a finger X-ray to find the cause of symptoms such as pain, tenderness, or swelling, or to detect broken bones or dislocated joints. Read More X-Ray Exam: Hand A hand X-ray can help find the cause of pain, tenderness, swelling, and deformity. It also can detect broken bones or dislocated joints. Read More A to Z: Dislocation, Shoulder A shoulder dislocation causes the top of the upper arm bone (humerus) to slip out of its normal position in the shoulder socket. Read More Preventing Children's Sports Injuries Participation in sports can teach kids sportsmanship and discipline. But sports also carry the potential for injury. Here's how to protect your kids. Read More Bones, Muscles, and Joints Without bones, muscles, and joints, we couldn't stand, walk, run, or even sit. The musculoskeletal system supports our bodies, protects our organs from injury, and enables movement. Read More Your Bones Where would you be without your bones? Learn more about the skeletal system in this article for kids. Read More Casts This article for teens has tips on taking care of a cast so it keeps working as it should. Read More Casts Some injuries will heal best if a cast is used. Find out how they work and how to take care of them in this article for kids. Read More Bones, Muscles, and Joints Our bones, muscles, and joints form our musculoskeletal system and enable us to do everyday physical activities. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.