Etymed
subluxation
Definition
A partial dislocation or subluxation of a joint, where the bones are partially displaced but not completely separated
Clinical context
A 28-year-old basketball player presents to the emergency department after a collision during a game. The patient complains of severe shoulder pain and inability to move the arm. On examination, there is significant pain with any shoulder movement and a palpable defect in the anterior aspect of the shoulder. X-rays show the humeral head partially displaced from the glenoid fossa but not completely out of joint. The patient is diagnosed with a shoulder subluxation.
Mnemonic
SUB-LUXATION: SUB- partial displacement, LUX- joint, ATION- movement