American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA) Orthopedic Practice Test 2025 - Free Orthopedic Practice Questions and Study Guide

The term that describes a complete displacement of the normal articulating surfaces of two or more bones is dislocation. A dislocation occurs when the bones in a joint are forcefully displaced from their normal position, which can cause significant pain, instability, and loss of function in the affected joint.

Understanding dislocation is crucial in orthopedic medicine as it can occur in various joints, such as the shoulder, elbow, hip, or knee. Immediate treatment often involves the realignment of the bones by a trained healthcare professional to restore normal function and mitigate further complications.

Subluxation refers to a partial dislocation where the surfaces are not completely disengaged, which is less severe than a full dislocation. A fracture involves a break in the bone itself rather than a displacement at a joint. Separation usually refers to a condition involving ligaments, such as an acromioclavicular joint separation, rather than the actual dislocation of bones at a joint. Recognizing these distinctions is essential for proper diagnosis and management in orthopedic practice.