Which condition describes a partial dislocation?

• A. Dislocation
• B. Greenstick Fracture
• C. Pathologic Fracture
• D. Subluxation

Answer: (D)

Partial dislocation is called subluxation. In a subluxation, the joint surfaces are out of their normal alignment but still retain some contact with each other, so the dislocation is not complete. This contrasts with a full dislocation, where the bones lose all contact and the joint is visibly out of place and typically functionally impaired. The other terms describe different injuries: a greenstick fracture is an incomplete bone fracture with bending and is common in children; a pathologic fracture occurs when a bone breaks due to underlying disease weakening the bone. So subluxation accurately describes a partial dislocation, where alignment is disrupted but not completely separated.