American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA) Orthopedic Practice Test

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Which condition is characterized by an incomplete displacement of the articulating ends of bones?

Fracture
Subluxation
Dislocation
Contusion

The correct answer is: Subluxation

The condition characterized by an incomplete displacement of the articulating ends of bones is known as subluxation. In this scenario, the surfaces of the joints are not aligned properly, but they maintain some degree of contact with each other. This partial displacement can lead to pain and dysfunction in the affected joint, making it important to recognize and treat appropriately. In contrast, a fracture involves a break in the continuity of the bone, which does not specifically indicate joint alignment. A dislocation refers to a complete loss of contact between the articulating surfaces of bones, completely displacing them from their normal position. A contusion is a type of injury characterized by localized bleeding and bruising in the soft tissues, with no direct implications for bone alignment or joint position. Understanding these distinctions is crucial in diagnosis and treatment planning in orthopedic practice.