Subluxation

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

The term subluxation refers to misalignment or partial dislocation of a joint, used extensively by chiropractors when it relates to spine misalignment.

Trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis with subluxation
Trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis with subluxation

WHO definition[edit | edit source]

  • According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a subluxation is a "significant structural displacement" and is therefore always visible on static imaging studies, such as X-rays.
  • The exact definition of subluxation in the medical field depends on the anatomical part being involved.

Joints[edit | edit source]

X-ray of patellar subluxation
X-ray of patellar subluxation

A subluxation of a joint is where a connecting bone is partially out of the joint.

Lens of the eye[edit | edit source]

A subluxation of the lens within the eye is called ectopia lentis, wherein it is displaced or malpositioned.

Teeth[edit | edit source]


  • A subluxation of a tooth is a dental traumatic injury in which the tooth has increased mobility but has not been displaced from the mandible or maxilla.
  • This is a common condition and one of the most common dental traumatic disorders
Subluxation Resources
Doctor showing form.jpg
Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.


Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD