Body Systems Bones

Oblique

The break goes diagonally across the bone

Comminuted

The bone shatters into several different pieces

Spiral

One part of the bone has been twisted at the breakpoint

Segmental

The bone is broken in at least two places, leaving a segment of the bone totally separated by the breaks

Compound

An open wound or break in the skin is near the site of the broken bone

Greenstick

The bone is bent resulting in an incomplete fracture; occurs most often in children

Transverse

The break goes in a straight line across the bone

Direct Force

an external force is applied directly to the bone, causing it to break at the point of impact.

Indirect Force

occurs at a point away from the site of impact.

Torsional Force

when a bone is twisted or rotated.

Compression Force

when the bone is pushed or compressed along its axis.

Tensile Force

pull the bone apart along its length.

Shearing Force

When two parts of the bone move in opposite directions parallel to its surface.