Which of the following is NOT a key criterion for assessing a dislocation?

Active range of motion is not a key criterion for assessing a dislocation, primarily because assessing a dislocated joint requires an understanding of the joint's position and the resultant effects on surrounding structures. In cases of dislocation, the focus is primarily on the "key" symptoms that indicate a dislocation has occurred.

Key criteria such as pain, deformity, and the impairment of distal circulation, sensation, and movement (CSM) provide critical information. Pain is often immediate and severe due to the trauma and disruption of ligaments, cartilage, and surrounding nerves. Deformity is visually prominent and helps in identifying the dislocation; displaced bones may form an unnatural angle or shape visible at the joint. Evaluating CSM is essential, as it helps determine if blood flow and nerve function are compromised due to displacement, which can lead to further complications if not addressed promptly.

In contrast, while active range of motion can provide some information about joint function, it is not an appropriate tool for assessing dislocations. Attempting to evaluate range of motion in a potentially dislocated joint could exacerbate the injury or cause additional pain, and the presence of a dislocation often renders any active movement impossible. Thus, it does not serve as a reliable criterion for