What is the term for the displacement of the end of a bone from its joint or normal position within a joint?

The term that describes the displacement of the end of a bone from its joint or normal position within a joint is dislocation. A dislocation occurs when the bones that form a joint are forced out of their normal alignment, often due to trauma, such as a fall or a blow to the joint. This condition can result in pain, swelling, and a significant loss of function in the affected joint, requiring medical intervention to realign the bones properly.

In contrast, a strain refers to an injury to a muscle or tendon caused by overstretching or excessive force, while a sprain involves the overstretching or tearing of ligaments, which connect bones to each other at joints. Flail chest is a specific injury involving multiple rib fractures that result in a segment of the rib cage becoming detached from the rest, leading to compromised breathing. Thus, dislocation is the correct term when discussing the specific issue of a bone being displaced from its joint.