What is the term for a partial dislocation of a joint?

The term for a partial dislocation of a joint is "subluxation." This occurs when a joint becomes partially dislocated rather than completely out of alignment. In this condition, the bones that make up the joint remain partially in contact but lose their normal alignment, which can cause pain, instability, and decreased range of motion. Understanding subluxation is important, especially in fields like physical therapy and sports medicine, where practitioners may encounter this when assessing joint function and integrity.

Dislocation, while a term often mistakenly used interchangeably with subluxation, refers to a complete displacement of the bones within a joint. Luxation is a synonym for dislocation, also describing a complete separation of the joint surfaces. Articulation refers to the point where two bones meet and is not related to dislocation or subluxation at all. Recognizing the nuances in these terms is essential for accurately describing joint injuries and for their appropriate management and treatment.