Classifying Fractures

Question 1

What should be done when a patient presents with a potential fracture?

Answer 1

History/examination -determine cause, site, associated injuries, joint symptoms and neurovascular status

Radiology -two plain films at different angles -must do joints above and below -CT/MRI if features poorly visible

Question 2

What type of fracture is this?

Answer 2

Transverse

Straight horizontal line through tibia

Question 3

What type of fracture is this?

Answer 3

Oblique

Diagonal line

Question 4

What type of fracture is this?

Answer 4

Spiral

Due to rotation causing fracture

Question 5

What type of fracture is this?

Answer 5

Straight line down the bone

Question 6

What type of fracture is this?

Answer 6

Multi directional

Crosses more than one plane

Question 7

What type of fracture is this?

Answer 7

Comminuted/Multi fragmental

Must have >3 pieces

Question 8

What type of fracture is this?

Answer 8

Butterfly

Forms a triangular shape

Question 9

What type of fracture is this?

Answer 9

Segmental

Portions of bone must separate from the proximal and distal portion of the shaft of the bone

Question 10

What is displacement?

Answer 10

Where the bone no longer aligns to its other part

It can become shortened- where the distal bit overlaps the proximal part

It can be angulated- distal portion at an angle to proximal

Can be distracted- widening of the gap between the two parts of bone

Can be impacted- two parts of the bone can be jammed together- difficult to see fracture line

Question 11

How can you describe the location of a fracture?

Answer 11

Proximal or distal

Mid shaft, base or head

If at base or head- is it intra-articular (more likely to require surgery)