What type of injury is indicated by the complete separation of a joint?

The type of injury indicated by the complete separation of a joint is a dislocation. A dislocation occurs when the bones that make up a joint are forcibly displaced from their normal position, leading to a significant loss of joint stability and function. This injury not only causes immediate pain and swelling but can also damage surrounding ligaments and tissues.

In the context of joint injuries, dislocations are typically more severe than subluxations, which represent a partial dislocation where the joint surfaces are misaligned but still in contact to some degree. Fractures involve breaks in the bone itself, while contusions refer to bruises that result from direct impact or trauma without any break in the skin or bone. Thus, dislocation is the most accurate term for a complete separation at the joint level.