Bone Injury Basics

What is a 'dislocation'?

A dislocation means the joint, for example the shoulder joint that I'm holding, is totally disrupted. In the case of a <a href="http://www.videojug.com/expertanswer/shoulder-and-upper-arm-injuries-2/what-is-the-treatment-for-a-dislocated-shoulder">dislocated shoulder</a>, the humerus, or the shoulder bone is completely out of the socket - there is no continuity of the joint.

What is 'subluxation'?

Subluxation means the joint is still in continuity, but there is a malposition of the one bone as opposed to the other. It just slides slightly more than it should. There may be a looseness of the joint and it is out of position, but the joint is still in continuity, as opposed to a dislocation where it's completely out of the joint.