Common Types of Fractures

comminuted

bone breaks into 3 or more fragments; particularly common in older poeple whose bones are more brittle

compression

bone is crushed; common in porous bones (i.e. osteoporotic bones of older people)

depressed

broken bone is pressed inward; typical of skull fractures

impacted

broken bone ends are forced into each other; commonly occurs when someone attempts to break a fall w/ outstretched arms

spiral

ragged break occurs when excessive twisting forces are apllied to a bone; common sports fracture

greenstick

bone breaks incompletely, much in the way a green twig breaks; common in children whose bones aer more flexible than those of adults