lec 5 fractures

dislocation

when a joint is not aligned properly

luxation

A dislocation in which the articulating surfaces of

a joint are forced entirely out of position

subluxation

Damage to a joint so that it is slightly out of its

normal position

Which fracture is the most serious?

COMMINUTED

Which fracture is the least serious?

STRESS

Comminuted fracture

bone shatters into many small

pieces (at least 3). Bone graft might be needed

Spiral fracture

Bone was twisted, such as in skiing or

rollerblading.

Greenstick fracture

Breaks on one side, bowstrings on

other. Most common in children; like breaking

a green twig, it’s not completely broken.

Bones in children are not fully mineralized

epiphyseal fracture

break occurs across epiphyseal

plate; usually causes the bone to grow

crooked.

What fractures are ONLY seen in

children?

Epiphyseal and greenstick fractures are only

seen in children

What fracture is the least serious?

Stress fracture

stress fracture

tiny, almost invisible breaks

on outer surface on shaft/bone. Usually from

overexertion. Muscle builds up faster than

bone. Six weeks into military basic training

camp, see lots of stress fractures from too

much new running.

What type of fracture is when the bone

does not break through the skin?

Simple (closed) fracture

Which fractures require hospitalization

with IV antibiotics?

Compound (open)

What is a displaced fracture?

Produces new and abnormal bone arrangements

PATHOLOGICAL

FRACTURE

when the bone (especially

the hip bone of someone with osteoporosis)

breaks first, then the patient falls.

Colles’ fracture

fracture of the distal radius in the forearm with

dorsal (posterior) displacement of the wrist and

hand. The fracture is sometimes referred to as a

"dinner fork" or "bayonet" deformity due to the

shape of the resultant forearm. Often occurs when

a runner falls on their outstretched hands.

When does a pisiform fracture occur?

in a fall on the outstretched hand with the wrist in

extension or if the heel of the hand is used like a

hammer.

Why is a pisiform fracture significant?

The bone may need to be removed surgically, and

being an anchor for several ligaments and

muscles, when one fractures the pisiform, there is

a 50% chance of additional fractures in the distal

radius or another carpal bone

What is a transverse fracture?

Bone breaks from right to left in the transverse

plane

What is an oblique fracture?

Bone breaks from top right to bottom left (or vice-

versa)

What is an avulsion fracture?

A strong muscle contraction pulls a piece of bone

off where the muscle attaches to that bone.

Example is a groin injury with avulsion fracture

What is an impacted fracture?

Pressure was exerted on both ends of the SAME

bone. Often seen in femur after falling from a

height.

COMPRESSION fracture

TWO bones are forced together,

and bone is crushed, like the vertebrae in

osteoporosis.

depression fracture

blunt object crushes a bone, depressing it,

such as skull fracture.