What is the medical term for an incomplete dislocation?

Subluxation refers to a partial dislocation where the bones in a joint misalign but maintain some degree of contact. This condition is different from a complete dislocation, where the joint surfaces are entirely separated. Understanding subluxation is important in clinical practice, as it can lead to instability and potential injury in the surrounding soft tissues, and often requires different management compared to a full dislocation.

In contrast, dislocation represents a complete disruption of the joint surfaces, and the other options such as serration (which refers to a jagged or saw-like edge often related to cuts or surgical tools) and fracture (which signifies a break in the continuity of the bone) do not specifically denote an incomplete dislocation. Therefore, the term subluxation is the most accurate and clinically relevant term for an incomplete dislocation.