Types of Fx

Fracture

Is a structural loss of continuity in the surface of the bone produced by forces exceeding the modulus elasticity of the bone.

Pathologic Fracture

Occur in bones weakened by pre-existing disease such as tumors, cysts, or osteomyelitis.

Stress Fracture

A result of bone failure from repeated unaccustomed loading and inadequate muscular support.

Open Fracture

• A fx where in there is communication between the bone and the outside.

• Associated with more tissue damage.

• Frequent complication is osteomyelitis and non-union.

Compound fracture

other term for Open fx

Closed Fracture

There is no communication with the environment and without perforation of the overlying skin

Simple fracture

other term for Closed fx

Complete Fx

Complete disruption of the bone

Incomplete Fx

Cortex is broken in the convexity of the curve whereas the bone in the concavity is bent

Greenstick Fx

angulating forces bend the cortex on the compression site and break it on the distraction site.

Torus Fx

fracture wherein mild angulation causes a buckling or bulging of the cortex in the compression site

Buckle Fx

other term for Torus Fx

Transverse fx

The plane of the fracture surface is perpendicular to the axis of the bone.

Spiral fx

Fracture caused by torsional stress or twisting stress

Oblique fx

Fracture surface forms an angle with the axis of the shaft

Comminuted Fx

Has more than one fracture line and more than 2 fragments

Compression fx

closed fracture that occurs when two or more bones are forced against each other.

Compression fx

It commonly occurs to the bones of the spine.

Avulsion fx

closed fracture where a piece of bone is broken off by a sudden, forceful contraction of a muscle.

Impacted fx

Same as compression, but only confined on the same bone

Osteochondral fx

Bones that are sheared off from the articular surface.