What does 'diastasis' describe regarding bone alignment?

Diastasis refers to a slight separation of two bones at a joint, which occurs when the normal alignment is disrupted, but not to the extent of a complete dislocation. This term is often used in the context of certain anatomical areas, such as diastasis recti, which describes the separation of the two sides of the rectus abdominis muscle. The correct understanding of diastasis pertains to the minor separation rather than any disjointing parallel to one another, which is not accurate because it emphasizes a different type of mechanical interaction between bones.

In contrast to the concept of diastasis, a complete fusion of bones would imply a situation where bones are no longer separate and articulate at all, which stands in direct opposition to the definition of diastasis as a separation. Similarly, a minor subluxation describes a misalignment where the joint remains in contact but is not properly aligned, representing a more complex situation than what is meant by diastasis. Therefore, the characterizing aspect of diastasis is its definition as a slight separation between two adjacent bones.