How do you differentiate a subluxation from a dislocation?

• A. Partial or intermittent; dislocation is complete.
• B. Dislocation is complete joint surface separation; subluxation is partial or intermittent; both require professional evaluation and imaging.
• C. Subluxation requires no imaging; dislocation always needs surgery.
• D. Both are identical in tissue damage.

Answer: (B)

The key idea is how much the joint surfaces have separation. A dislocation means the bones at the joint are completely out of alignment with no normal contact between the surfaces, often with a visible deformity and inability to move the joint. A subluxation means partial contact remains between the joint surfaces, and the joint may partially reduce on its own or feel unstable; it can be intermittent. Because both conditions can involve other injuries and can be tricky to assess just by feel, medical evaluation and imaging are commonly needed to confirm the diagnosis and to check for fractures or soft-tissue damage. So the statement that best fits is that dislocation is complete joint surface separation, subluxation is partial or intermittent, and both require professional evaluation and imaging. Some other statements oversimplify or misstate imaging needs, surgery likelihood, or tissue damage, which can mislead about proper care.