Types of Fractures

Question 1

Close (simple)

Answer 1

A fracture that does not include an open wound (no break in skin)

Question 2

Compound (open)

Answer 2

A fracture that does include an open wound. The wound may arise from within or without

Question 3

Pathological

Answer 3

A fracture due to weakening of the bone structure by pathologic processes such as a neoplasm or osteomalacia

Question 4

Comminuted

Answer 4

A fracture with more than two fragments

Question 5

Greenstick

Answer 5

An incomplete fracture with one side splintered and the other side bent. The periosteum is not torn away from the bone.

Question 6

Spiral

Answer 6

A fracture in which the line of the fracture extends in a spiral direction along the shaft of the bone. May indicate child abuse in children

Question 7

Epiphyseal

Answer 7

Fracture through the weakest point of long bones in the cartilage growth plate (epiphyseal plate). If fracture at this point in children, may be difficult to detect and can potentially cause growing problems