types of fractures

Pathological

The bone breaks in an area that is weakened by disease, such osteoporosis, some cancers, infection, and certain inherited bone disorders.

Stress

Common among athletes, this is a small crack in a bone caused by overuse and repetitive activity.

Closed

The broken bone doesn't break the skin.

Open

The ends of the broken bone tear through the skin, putting the patient at higher risk of infection.

Greenstick

The bone bends and cracks instead of breaking into pieces.

Comminuted

The bone is splintered or crushed into small pieces.

Spiral

At least one part of the bone has been twisted.

Oblique

The break occurs at an angle across the bone.

Transverse

The break occurs straight across the bone.

Colles'

A break of the radius bone close to the wrist that results from a fall onto an outstretched hand.

Hairline

The bone is broken in a thin crack. This type of fracture is hard to detect on routine x-ray.