fracture patterns

Question 1

how many basic fracture patterns exist

Answer 1

5

Question 2

what are the 5 basic fracture patterns

Answer 2

1. transverse
2. oblique
3. spiral fracture
4. comminuted fracture
5. segmental fracture

Question 3

transverse fractures

Answer 3

complete fracture that transverse the bone perpendicular to the axis of the bone may angulate or result in rotational malalignment

Question 4

oblique fractures

Answer 4

occur at oblique plane to longitudinal axis, occur due to a compression force (e.g fall from height) may be fixed with an interfragmentary screw, tend to shorten bone and may angulate

Question 5

spiral fracture

Answer 5

occurs due to torsional forces, inter fragmentary screws may be used, very unstable to rotational forces but can also angulate

Question 6

comminuted fracture

Answer 6

fractures with 2 or more fragments, generally caused by a higher energy injury, very unstable and require surgical stabilisation, may cause substantial soft tissue swelling and periosteal damage

Question 7

segmental fracture

Answer 7

the bone is fractured in 2 separate places, requires surgical stabilisation with long rods or plates as it si very very unstable