What is the clinical term for a break in a bone?

The clinical term for a break in a bone is "fracture." This term specifically refers to any disruption in the continuity of the bone structure, which can occur due to various factors such as trauma, disease, or stress. Fractures can be classified into different types based on their characteristics, such as simple (closed) fractures, where the bone does not penetrate the skin, or compound (open) fractures, where the broken bone disrupts the skin.

On the other hand, dislocation refers to the displacement of a bone from its normal joint position, which does not necessarily involve a break in the bone itself. A sprain is an injury to a ligament caused by overstretching or tearing, and it primarily affects the connective tissue rather than the bone. Luxation is another term that is often interchangeable with dislocation but is not commonly used in current medical practice. Thus, the correct term for a break in a bone is indeed "fracture."