Classification of Fractures (By Completeness, Pattern, and Displacement)

x

Incomplete Fracture

A partial break of the bone where it remains in one piece

Complete Fracture

The bone is broken into 2 or more separate pieces

Types of Incomplete Fx

FPID
Fissured

Perforating (Buttonhole)

Interperiosteal Fx

Depressed

Types of Complete Fx

5C

Simple (Closed fx)

Comminuted

Compound (open)

Complicated

Compression

Fissured Fx

Mere split of the bone without displacement of the fragments.

Perforating (Buttonhole) Fx

A type of fracture where there is a hole such as those made of bullets.

Interperiosteal Fx

A fracture in which the periosteum is not disrupted.

Depressed Fx

A fracture in which the saucer or gutter-shaped fragment of bone is driven inward. It is also seen frequently in fractures of the skull.

The fracture does not communicate with the skin or mucous membrane, meaning the bone does not break through the skin. The fracture site is protected from external contamination and infection.

Simple (Closed) Fx

A fracture where the bone is broken into several fragments or pieces, typically from severe trauma

Comminuted Fx

The fracture communicates with the outside environment through a wound in the skin or mucous membrane, allowing air and bacteria to enter, which increases the risk of infection.

Compound (open) Fx

A fracture in which there is injury to nearby organs, tissues, or important structures (such as nerves, blood vessels, or internal organs) near the fracture site.

Complicated Fx

A fracture that usually occurs in spongy or short bones (like vertebrae), where bone tissue collapses due to pressure or compression, often from trauma or weakened bone structure (e.g., osteoporosis).

Compression Fx

Fracture Patterns

TOSCIGA

Transverse Fx

Oblique Fx

Spiral Fx

Comminuted Fx

Impacted Fx

Greenstick Fx

Avulsion Fx

Transverse Fx

The fracture line runs perpendicular (at a right angle) to the long axis of the bone. This type is usually caused by a direct blow or stress applied at a right angle to the bone’s shaft.

The fracture line runs diagonally or at an angle to the long axis of the bone. It occurs when a force is applied at an angle, causing the bone to break in a slanting direction.

Oblique Fx

Spiral Fx

The fracture line encircles the bone in a spiral pattern, resulting from a twisting (torsional) force applied along the bone’s length. It often occurs during sports injuries or accidents involving rotation of a limb

Comminuted Fx

The bone is broken into several fragments or pieces, typically from severe trauma

The bone is bent and broken only part of the way through its shaft. Occurs in children at an age when bones are soft and pliable.

Greenstick Fx

The broken bone ends are driven into each other, often due to high force or compression

Impacted Fx

Avulsion Fx

A fragment of bone is pulled away by a tendon or ligament due to a sudden, forceful pull or contraction.

Classifications of Fractures by Displacement

Undisplaced fx

Displaced fx

Undisplaced fracture

The bone fragments or ends remain in their normal alignment and are not separated.

Displaced fracture

There is a separation or misalignment of the bone fragments, meaning the broken ends are no longer in their normal position.