Fractures Flashcards
Simple fracture
Single fracture line that creates two fragments
Wedge fracture
More than one (usually two) fracture lines that creates 3 discrete bony fragments
Complex fracture
Multiple fracture lines creating 3+ bone fragments. Previously known as comminuted
Transverse fracture
Straight across the bone
Oblique fracture
Fracture line diagonal to long axis of bone.
Spiral fracture
Also diagonal to long axis of bone but more extensive
Segmental fracture
A type of wedge fracture, fracture in at least two places leaving a separated segment of bone in between.
Is displacement determined based on the proximal or distal segments of a fracture?
Distal segment
Varus
Distal fragment towards midline
Valgus
Distal fragment towards lateral
Dorsal (in regards to fracture)
Fracture at the dorsal aspect of the wrist
Volar (in regards to fracture)
Fracture to the palmar aspect of the wrist
Wedge/compression fracture
Direct compression, collapse of trabeculae. Primarily in spine
Stress fracture
Incomplete or ‘hairline’ fracture from repetitive forces. Difficult to visualize on X-ray.
Avulsion fracture
Fracture at site of ligament or tendon attachment caused by the ligament of tendon pulling off a piece of the bone
Greenstick fracture
Incomplete fracture, bending, splintering of bone
Torus/ Buckle fracture
Impaction of the bone
Salter Harris fracture Type 1
Separated growth plate
Salter Harris fracture Type 2
Above the growth plate
Salter Harris fracture type III
Below growth plate
Salter Harris fracture type IV
Through growth plate
Salter Harris Type V
Erasure of growth plate
Dislocation
Complete loss of contact between two joint surfaces
Subluxation
Partial loss of contact between two joint surfaces
