Which term describes pain localized specifically at the fracture site?

Prepare for the American Board of Surgical Assistants Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Ensure your success with Examzify!

Point tenderness is the term that accurately describes pain that is specifically localized at the fracture site. When an individual has a fracture, palpating the area often reveals heightened sensitivity and tenderness precisely where the injury has occurred. This localized pain helps clinicians assess and diagnose fractures, as it indicates the site of injury.

In contrast, crepitus refers to a grating or crackling sound and sensation that can occur with joint movement or when bones rub against each other, but it is not specifically tied to the localization of pain. Bimalleolar tenderness indicates pain occurring around both malleoli of the ankle, which is not strictly about a fracture site unless specifically relevant to the malleoli. Joint stiffness is a general symptom that may arise from various conditions but doesn't specify the localization of pain related to a fracture. Thus, point tenderness is the most precise term for describing localized pain at the fracture site.

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