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

The term for a partial separation of a joint is subluxation. This occurs when the bones in a joint are misaligned but still in contact with each other. Unlike a dislocation, where bones completely move out of alignment and may no longer touch, a subluxation allows for some degree of connection between the joint surfaces. It typically results in pain, swelling, and a limited range of motion, but is not as severe as a full dislocation.

Understanding joint injuries is important in both medical and physical rehabilitation contexts, as subluxations may require different approaches for treatment and recovery compared to complete dislocations, sprains, or fractures. Sprains, for instance, involve ligament damage without joint displacement, while fractures refer to breaks in the bone rather than issues related to joint alignment.