What defines a dislocation?

A dislocation is specifically defined as the displacement of a bone from its normal position in a joint. This condition often results from trauma or excessive force applied to a joint, causing the bones that normally articulate at that joint to move out of alignment. Dislocations can lead to significant pain, swelling, and a loss of function in the affected limb or area due to the disruption of the joint structure.

In the context of the other options, while improper alignment of bones may suggest a joint issue, it does not indicate that the bones have completely separated from their joint, as seen in a dislocation. Similarly, an injury to a muscle due to stretching refers to strains and not the dislocation of a bone. Lastly, a partial tear of a ligament describes a different type of injury specific to soft tissues and does not involve the displacement of bones, which is central to the definition of a dislocation.