What is defined as a break in a bone that may or may not involve a joint surface?

A break in a bone is referred to as a fracture, which can occur under various circumstances and can affect any part of the bone, including areas that involve a joint surface. Fractures can be classified into different types based on their severity and the pattern of the break, such as simple, compound, comminuted, or stress fractures. The significance of recognizing a fracture lies in its potential to disrupt normal joint function, especially if the fracture does involve the joint surface, leading to complications such as osteoarthritis.

Dislocation refers to the complete displacement of a bone from its normal joint position, while subluxation signifies a partial dislocation. Both of these conditions involve the joint but do not define a break in the bone itself. An avulsion involves a fragment of bone being pulled away by a tendon or ligament, but it is a specific type of fracture rather than a general term for a break. Therefore, the term "fracture" is the correct and most encompassing definition for a break in a bone, as it includes various scenarios, with or without joint surface involvement.