Fractures

These flashcards cover the essential vocabulary related to fractures, their types, treatment, and healing process.

Fracture

A break in the continuity of the bone.

Compound Fracture

A fracture where the broken ends of the bone protrude through the skin, also known as an open fracture.

Simple Fracture

A clean break of the bone that does not penetrate the skin, also called a closed fracture.

Greenstick Fracture

A type of fracture in which the bone bends and partially breaks, similar to bending a green twig.

Transverse Fracture

A fracture that runs horizontally across the bone.

Spiral Fracture

A fracture that occurs when a twisting force is applied to a bone.

Oblique Fracture

A fracture that occurs at an angle across the bone.

Segmental Fracture

A type of fracture where a segment of bone is broken and separated.

Compression Fracture

A fracture that results from compression of the bone, often seen in vertebrae.

Comminuted Fracture

A fracture that results in multiple pieces or fragments of bone.

Avulsion Fracture

A fracture that occurs when a fragment of bone is pulled away by a tendon or ligament.

Reduction

The process of realigning the broken bone ends.

Immobilization

The process of keeping a fractured bone still to allow healing, often done with a cast or traction.

Healing stages of a fracture

The series of stages the body goes through to heal a bone fracture: hematoma formation, fibrocartilage callus formation, bony callus formation, and bone remodeling.