Distorsio

Distorsio is a term that appears in several languages to denote distortion, deformation, or twisting of a form, structure, or signal. The precise meaning of distorsio depends on context and language; it can refer to changes that alter the original configuration in physical objects, images, or sounds, as well as to medical injuries in certain dialects.

In medical contexts, distorsio is sometimes used to describe a sprain—an injury to a ligament caused by a sudden twist or wrench of a joint. The most common location is the ankle, but sprains can affect the knee, wrist, or other joints. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and reduced range of motion. Diagnosis is clinical, with imaging as needed to exclude fracture. Treatment emphasizes rest, ice, compression, elevation, immobilization if needed, and progressive rehabilitation. Most distorsions heal with time; severe sprains may require immobilization for several weeks or surgical repair.

Outside medicine, distorsio covers distortion in optics and imaging (lens distortion), in electronics and audio (signal or waveform distortion, including total harmonic distortion), and in linguistics or art as a deliberate alteration of form for effect.

Etymology: distorsio derives from Latin distorsio, from distortus meaning twisted or deformed.