TYPES OF FRACTURES

Articular

One that involves a joint surface.

Avulsion

One where there is a separation of a small bone fragment from the bone where a tendon or ligament is attached.

Closed (simple)

A fracture that does not break through the skin.

Colles'

A fracture of the lower end of the radius with displacement of the fragment.

Comminuted

One in which there are more than two ends or fragments.

Complete

The fracture is completely through the bone.

Compound (open)

A fracture involving the bone puncturing through the skin, or an object puncturing the skin, making an opening through the skins to the fracture site.

Compression

One in which the bone appears to be mashed down.

Displaced

One in which fragments are out of position.

Extracapsular

A fracture outside or not involving the joint capsule.

Femoral neck

A fracture involving the neck of the femur.

Greenstick

A common incomplete fracture that occurs in children; it appears to have broken partially like a sap-filled green stick.

Impacted

One that has a bone end forced over the other end.

Incomplete

The bone is fractured but not in two.

Intertrochanteric

One that is in the trochanteric area of the femur.

Intracapsular

A fracture inside the joint capsule.

Longitudinal

One that runs the length of the bone.

Nondisplaced

Fragments are still in correct position.

Oblique

Runs in transverse pattern.

Pathologic

Caused by weakness from another disease.

Pott's

Fracture of the lower part of the fibula and tibia, with outward displacement of the foot.

Simple (closed)

A fracture that does not break through skin.

Spiral

A fracture that twists around the bone.

Stellate

A fracture that forms a star-like pattern.

Stress

Related to too much weight or pressure.

Subcapital

A fracture below (sub) the head (caput) of the femur.

Transverse

One that runs across or at a 90-degree angle.