Fractures Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards about fractures and related terminology.

Fracture

A break or crack in a bone due to trauma, overuse, or disease.

Eponymous fractures

Fractures that are named after the person who first described them.

Colles’ fracture

Fracture of the distal end of the radius where the broken tip tilts upwards.

Smith’s fracture

Fracture of the distal end of the radius where the broken tip tilts downwards.

Severity (Fracture Configuration)

Fracture classification based on whether the fracture is incomplete, complete, comminuted, or segmental.

Pattern (Fracture Configuration)

Fracture classification based on whether the fracture is transverse, oblique, spiral, or avulsion.

Greenstick Fracture

A fracture where the bone bends and cracks on one side but remains intact on the other; common in children.

Colles' fracture

Fracture of the distal radius with dorsal displacement of fragments, resulting in a 'dinner fork deformity'.

Smith's fracture

Fracture of the distal radius with volar displacement of fragments.

Barton's fracture

Fracture dislocation of the radiocarpal joint.

Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF)

Surgical procedure involving surgically aligning the fracture fragments and using plates and screws, or other fixation devices, to hold them in place.

External Fixation

Use of pins and a frame to stabilize a fracture, especially if there is significant soft tissue damage.

Residuals

Persistent problems like pain and/or stiffness and/or functional limitations.

Hematoma formation

The hematoma is converted to granulation tissue by invasion of cells and blood capillaries.

Soft callus formation

Deposition of collagen and fibrocartilage converts granulation tissue to a soft callus.

Hard callus formation

Osteoblasts deposit a temporary bony collar around the fracture to unite the broken pieces while ossification occurs.

Bone remodeling

Small bone fragments are removed by osteoclasts, while osteoblasts deposit woven bone and then convert it to lamellar bone.