Mobility: Fractures Flashcards
What is a closed fracture?
Bone breaks but skin remains intact. Also called a simple fracture
What is an open fracture?
Bone breaks and protrudes through the skin; increased risk of osteomyelitis. Also called a compound fracture
What is a complete fracture?
Fracture involves the entire width of the bone
What is a greenstick fracture?
Bone fragments are still partially joined. Also called an incomplete fracture. Occurs commonly in children
What is a comminuted fracture?
Bone fragments into many pieces. Common in individuals with brittle bones, such as patients with osteogenesis imperfecta
What is an impacted fracture?
The two ends of the bone are forced together. Also called a buckle fracture. Often seen with children’s arm and hip fractures
What is an oblique fracture?
Fracture occurs diagonal to the bone’s axis
What is a transverse fracture?
Fracture occurs at a right angle to the bones axis
What is a linear fracture?
Fracture occurs parallel to the bone’s axis
What is a displaced fracture?
Broken ends of bones move out of correct anatomical alignment. Also called an unstable fracture. Requires immediate attention to prevent further damage
What is a nondisplaced fracture?
Broken ends of bones remain aligned. Also called a stable fracture
What is an avulsion fracture?
A fragment of bone is separated from the rest of the bone. May also involve displacement of surrounding tissues
What is a stress fracture?
Caused by small repetitive forces on the bone. Often caused by participation in sports or exercise
What is a spiral fracture?
Fracture spirals around the bone. Occurs as the result of a twisting force, often during sports. Occurs commonly in children.
What is a depression fracture?
Bone is forced inward. Occurs commonly in skull fractures