Final answer:
Dislocation and subluxation are not synonymous; dislocation means complete displacement, while subluxation refers to a partial dislocation with misalignment. In the spine, these conditions would affect the zygapophysial joints, which are different from spinal deformities like scoliosis and kyphosis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The terms dislocation and subluxation are not entirely synonymous when referring to problems with the spine or other joints. A dislocation is a complete displacement of the articular surfaces in a joint, meaning the two ends of the bones that form the joint are no longer in contact with each other. On the other hand, a subluxation is a partial dislocation where the articulating surfaces of the bones are still in contact, but their alignment is off. This could result in a misalignment within the spine but does not necessarily entail the complete separation seen in a dislocation.
In the spine, the vertebrae are connected by intervertebral discs, and they also articulate at synovial joints known as zygapophysial joints or facet joints. These joints possess plane articular surfaces that allow for limited motion, and the types of allowable motion vary depending on the region of the spinal column. The articulations in such joints are typically stable due to the articulation which is restricted to small movements under normal conditions.
Conditions such as scoliosis and kyphosis reflect lateral and dorsoventral curvatures of the spine, respectively. Scoliosis can manifest as a lateral curvature severe enough to result in a rib hump, where one shoulder blade appears more prominent than the other. Kyphosis is an excessive rounding of the upper back, sometimes resulting in a hunchback appearance. These curvatures are different from dislocations and subluxations; however, they are related to spinal issues often treated by orthopedists.