APPENDIX 38

COMMON TYPES OF BONE FRACTURES

AVULSION
A small portion of bone, with ligament or tendon attached, is pulled away from the main bone segment.

COMMINUTED
The bone is fractured into three or more segments. This type of fracture usually must be immobilized with surgical screws or pins for healing.

COMPLETE
The fractured bone fragments are completely separated. A clean break usually heals relatively quickly.

COMPOUND (OPEN)
At least one bone fragment penetrates the skin. By opening the injury area to the outside, the risk of complicating infections increases.

COMPRESSION
Fracture occurs when the mass of bones is compressed, usually by forces in opposite directions. Compression fractures are most common in the spinal vertebrae.

FATIGUE
A complete or incomplete hairline fracture that develops after repeated stress to the bone.

GREENSTICK
This is an incomplete fracture, with bone fragments joined by at least some bone. Greenstick fractures heal more quickly than other fractures.

SPIRAL
Shearing forces cause the fractured segments to separate in a spiral fashion.

STRESS (SEE FATIGUE)

TRANSVERSE (WITH DISPLACEMENT)
The complete fractured bone segments are displaced in relation to each other. These fractures require strength and skill to return bone fragments to a functional position for healing.