What term describes a grating or grinding sensation or sound caused by fractured bone ends or joints rubbing together?

The term that describes a grating or grinding sensation or sound caused by fractured bone ends or joints rubbing together is known as crepitus. This phenomenon typically occurs when two rough surfaces, such as fractured bone edges, come into contact with each other. Crepitus can be an important clinical sign, as it helps in identifying the presence of fractures or joint issues during a physical examination.

In a scenario where fractures are present, the sensation of crepitus may be felt by the examiner or even heard if the movement of the fractured parts is palpated. This is distinct from edema, which refers to swelling caused by an accumulation of fluid in tissues, and effusion, which refers to fluid accumulation in a joint space. Friction generally describes the resistance encountered when two surfaces move in relation to each other but is not specifically tied to the clinical context of fractured bones or joint issues. Thus, crepitus is the appropriate term to use in this situation.