The disruption of a joint in which the bone ends are no longer in contact is called a

• A. Fracture
• B. Dislocation
• C. Sprain
• D. Contusion

Answer: (B)

Dislocation occurs when a joint is disrupted and the bone ends are no longer in contact, meaning the joint is out of its normal alignment. This is different from a fracture, where the bone itself is broken, and from a sprain, where ligaments around the joint are injured but the bone ends remain in contact. A contusion is simply a bruise to soft tissues without joint misalignment. In practice, a dislocated joint often presents with obvious deformity, severe pain, and inability to move the joint, and the area should be immobilized in the position found, with close attention to distal circulation and sensation and careful transport.