5.2.2/5.2.3 Types of Fractures

Tracy Dawson & Michelle Verrochi

Review – Bones of the Body

Bone Fractures

Comminuted Depression Compression Transverse Oblique Spiral Greenstick Open vs. closed

Open Fracture

An open fracture is a broken bone that

penetrates the skin

Need for immediate treatment

Caused by high-impact injuries such as car crashes, falls,

or sports injuries

Open fractures are also known as

compact fractures

Closed Fracture

A broken bone that does not

penetrate the skin

Closed fractures are also known as

simple fractures

Comminuted Fracture

Comminuted Fracture of the Femur

Splintering of bone – at least 3 pieces

Caused by extreme sudden impact or heavy crushing

weight

One of the most serious and painful

Surgery may be needed

Depression

Depression Fracture of the

Skull

Broken bones displaced inward

Caused by blunt force trauma

Pressure on brain

May require surgery

Compression

Compression Fracture of the

Vertebra

Caused by trauma (ejection seats) or

weakened vertebral column

Most common in lower spine

Transverse

Transverse Fracture of the

Humerus

Break is across the bone at a right

angle to the long axis of the bone

Oblique

Oblique Fracture of the Proximal

Phalanx (Phalanges)

Broken at an angle across the bone

Usually results from a sharp angled impact

to the bone

Spiral

Spiral Break of the

Humerus

A fracture in which a bone

has been twisted apart

Sometimes called a torsion

fracture

Greenstick

Greenstick Fracture of the Ulna and Radius

One side of the fracture has broken and one side is bent; therefore classified as an incomplete break

Occurs most often in children because their

bones are softer and more flexible than those of an

adult

Now it is your turn…

  To the best of your ability, determine: if the fracture is open or closed the type of fracture shown in the X-ray be able to defend your choice

Remember your choices are:Comminuted, Depression, Compression, Transverse, Oblique, Spiral, or Greenstick

Answers:

1. Comminuted2. Spiral3. Greenstick4. Compression

How did you do?

What’s Next?

5.2.2 : Identifying broken bones on X-rays

5.2.3 : How do broken bones heal?

References

http://www.innerbody.com/image_skel06/skel56.html

http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/understanding-fractures-basic-information

http://boneandspine.com/fractures-dislocations/types-fracturesa-simple-classification-fractures-long-bones/

http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00139

http://www.stockphotofinder.com/stock-photos/x/x-ray_broken_bone.html

Resources (cont.)

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/vertebral_compression_fracture/article_em.htm <http://www.emedicinehealth.com/vertebral_compression_fracture/article_em.htm> http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=8081 <http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=8081> http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/understanding-fractures-basic-information <http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/understanding-fractures-basic-information> http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=8079 http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=8079