A&P - Types of Bone Fractures

Transverse fracture - Definition

The fracture occurs at an exact 90° horizontal angle

Transverse fracture - Cause

Caused by a bending force that causes the bone to snap (like snapping a carrot)

Oblique fracture - Definition

The fracture occurs sloped up or down at an angle or curves

Oblique fracture - Cause

Trapping of one bone while the other twists over it

Ex. Foot caught in a rock and the leg twists

Spiral fracture - Definition

The fracture spirals around the bone

Spiral fracture - Cause

Caused by a twisting force

Comminuted fracture - Definition

The fracture breaks into multiple pieces

Comminuted fracture - Cause

Caused through a crushing force

Avulsion fracture - Definition

A ligament or tendon pulls away from its attachment on the bone, and a fragment of bone breaks off with it

Avulsion fracture - Cause

A muscle contraction or stretch that is stronger than the force that holds the tendon or ligament to the bone

Impacted/compression fracture - Definition

The fracture occurs in the middle of a bone when it is driven into itself and buckles

Impacted/compression fracture - Cause

Compression of the bone from end to end

Fissure/hairline fracture - Definition

An incomplete bone fracture

Multiple small lines are often visible, but do not pass through the entire bone

Fissure/hairline fracture - Cause

Any force that could cause any of the other types of fractures, but is not great enough to completely break the bone

Greenstick fracture - Definition

The bone bends rather than breaks (similar to that of a green tree branch)

Greenstick fracture - Cause

Occurs most often in children in bones that have not completely ossified and still contain cartilage

Transverse fracture

Oblique fracture

Spiral fracture

Comminuted fracture

Avulsion fracture

Impacted/compression fracture

Fissure/hairline fracture

Greenstick fracture