Which term is defined as a partial dislocation of a joint?

• A. Dislocation
• B. Change in texture
• C. Subluxation
• D. Holding hand

Answer: (C)

A subluxation describes a partial dislocation of a joint. In this situation, the joint surfaces are not in their normal alignment, but there is still some contact between them, unlike a full dislocation where the bones lose all contact and the joint is completely out of place. This partial misalignment can happen from trauma or joint instability and often comes with pain, swelling, and limited movement. In practice, you might notice an abnormal contour or reduced range of motion, and imaging can show misalignment without complete separation. This distinction matters in hands-on work, because forcing or manipulating a subluxed joint can cause further injury; stabilization and appropriate medical evaluation are usually advised. The other terms don’t fit because they don’t describe the idea of partial joint displacement: a full dislocation is complete displacement; a “change in texture” relates to tissue characteristics rather than joint alignment; and “holding hand” isn’t a medical term for joint displacement.