Which muscle-related injury involves a loss of motion at the joint?

A dislocation occurs when the bones at a joint are forced out of alignment, resulting in a significant loss of motion and stability at the joint. This misalignment can affect not only the joint itself but also the associated muscles, tendons, and ligaments, impairing their ability to function properly. When a dislocation occurs, the surrounding muscles may go into spasm, further reducing mobility and causing pain.

In contrast, while contusions and abrasions may cause pain and discomfort, they do not usually lead to a loss of motion at a joint itself. Bursitis, which involves inflammation of the bursa (a fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between tissues), can lead to pain and decreased range of motion, but it is not characterized by the complete misalignment of bones as seen in dislocations. Thus, dislocation is distinct in its impact, specifically relating to the loss of range of motion at the affected joint.