Which condition results from trauma, leading to the painful alteration of normal joint structure?

Dislocation is the condition that results from trauma and involves a painful alteration in the normal structure of a joint. When a dislocation occurs, the bones that form the joint are forced out of their normal alignment. This misalignment can severely damage the surrounding ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels, leading to intense pain and a loss of function in the affected joint.

In contrast to dislocation, a subluxation is a partial dislocation where the joint surfaces are still in contact but not in the correct position, leading to less severe symptoms. A sprain involves injury to ligaments, typically caused by excessive stretching or tearing but does not necessarily involve a complete dislocation of the joint. A strain affects muscles or tendons due to overstretching or tearing, which is distinct from joint disturbances. Each of these conditions involves joint issues, but dislocation specifically indicates a complete alteration of normal joint structure due to trauma.