What term describes the dry, grating sound caused by bone ends rubbing together?

The term that describes the dry, grating sound caused by bone ends rubbing together is crepitation. This sound occurs when the rough surfaces of damaged or fractured bones rub against each other, producing a distinctive audible noise. Crepitation can be associated with various conditions such as fractures, arthritis, or any situation where cartilage is damaged, and bone surfaces are subjected to friction.

Understanding crepitation is important in the context of diagnosing skeletal issues and assessing the severity of bone-related injuries. It signals to healthcare providers that there may be underlying damage or deterioration within the joint or bone structure that needs further evaluation or treatment.