What is the term for a forceful twisting of a joint that tears or stretches ligaments without dislocating bones?

The term that describes a forceful twisting of a joint that results in tearing or stretching of ligaments without dislocating the bones is a sprain. A sprain specifically involves the ligaments, which are the fibrous tissues that connect bones to each other at a joint. When a joint is twisted aggressively, the ligaments can be overstretched or torn, causing pain, swelling, and instability in the affected area.

In contrast, compression refers to a force that pushes on an object, often leading to injuries like fractures rather than ligament damage. Strain, on the other hand, pertains to injuries that involve muscles or tendons, usually resulting from overstretching or tearing these tissues during activities that exert excessive force. Subluxation involves a partial dislocation of a joint, which is different from a sprain as it involves the bones moving out of their normal position. Therefore, sprain is the correct terminology for the injury type in question.