Which term describes a complete disruption in a joint where joint surfaces no longer make contact?

The term that describes a complete disruption in a joint where joint surfaces no longer make contact is dislocation. A dislocation occurs when the bones that form a joint are forced out of their normal position due to trauma, injury, or excessive force. This results in the surfaces of the joint being separated completely, which can impede movement and often causes significant pain and swelling.

Understanding dislocation is crucial for orthopedic nurses, as it requires immediate intervention to realign the joint and prevent further damage to surrounding tissues and nerves. Dislocations are typically treated through reduction, either closed (manipulating the joint back into place without surgery) or open (surgical intervention), depending on the severity and the specific case.

In contrast, subluxation refers to a partial dislocation of a joint, where the surfaces are still in partial contact but misaligned. A fracture indicates a break in the continuity of the bone, while comminuted describes a specific type of fracture where the bone is broken into several pieces. These terms highlight varying degrees of disruption or damage, but only dislocation includes a complete separation of joint surfaces.