Fractures Flashcards
Fracture?
Disrupted continuity of the bone
Does the bone have to be broken in order to have a fracture?
No, it can be a small chip or break down he side fo the bone
List the classifications.
- cause
- appearance
- location (not where in the skeleton but where on the bone)
- pattern
- type
Name 2 type of fractures.
- simple (closed) fracture
- compound (open) fracture
Simple (closed) fracture?
closed = integument intact
Compound (open) fracture?
open = integument is broken (bone may be protruding out)
Types of fractures?
- greenstick fracture
- comminuted fracture
- pathologic fracture
- segmental
- butterfly
- impacted
greenstick fracture?
“greenstick” referring to a freshly fallen tree branch/ twig that is difficult to snap because it is flexible. An older twig would be dry and snap very easily. in younger children because the bone is still developing and is very pliable
Comminuted fracture?
bone breaks into multiple pieces under excessive force . Multiple breaks at one site; difficult to treat -> pt will most likely need surgery.
Segmental fracture?
large bone fragments separate from the main body of the bone
Butterfly fracture?
2 oblique fracture lines meeting to create a large triangular or wedge-shaped fragment that resembles a butterfly
Impacted fracture?
parts of the broken bone are driven toward or into each other by force (eg. head of the femur driven into the acetabulum on extreme impact)
Pathologic fracture?
d/t bone disorder eg. osteoporosis , bone cancer etc (simple things like standing or walking may break the bone)
List the patterns.
based on the direction of the fracture line:
- longitudinal
- oblique
- spiral
- transverse/horizontal
Oblique?
usually d/t a twisting force; breaks at 45 degrees.