What term accurately describes the separation of bones in a joint before they realign?

The term that accurately describes the separation of bones in a joint before they realign is "subluxation." In this context, a subluxation refers to a partial dislocation where the bone is displaced from its normal position in the joint but retains some contact with the joint surface. This condition differs from a complete dislocation, where the bone is entirely out of the joint's normal position without maintaining any connection.

Subluxations can occur due to trauma, strain, or certain medical conditions and may result in pain, swelling, and decreased range of motion until the bones spontaneously return to their correct alignment, or manual intervention is used. Understanding subluxation is crucial in sports medicine as it can influence a treatment approach, ranging from conservative management to surgical intervention if deemed necessary based on the severity and frequency of episodes.