Crepitus is best described as:

Crepitus is best described as a grating sound or sensation that occurs when fractured bones move against each other or when tissues are damaged in a way that allows air to escape from air-filled structures. In the context of bone fractures, crepitus can be felt or heard as a crackling or popping sound, which is a result of the movement of the rough surfaces of the fractured edges. This phenomenon is often assessed during physical examinations for potential fractures or joint issues.

The other options do not accurately describe crepitus. It is not a soft tissue injury, as it is specifically related to the movement of bones or the presence of gas in soft tissues. While it can be associated with soft tissue injuries, it is not defined as such. Crepitus does not refer to a bone dislocation, which specifically involves the displacement of a bone from its normal joint position. Lastly, crepitus is not an inflammation of bone, which would typically be termed osteitis or osteomyelitis, depending on the specific condition. Therefore, option B is the most precise definition of crepitus related to surgical and clinical settings.