Bone Fractures and Spinal Curvatures

comminuted fracture

bone is splintered or crushed

Compound fracture

A broken bone with an open wound leading to the site of the fracture, or bone that protrudes through the skin; also called open fracture

Greenstick fracture

incomplete fracture, bone is bent and only partially broken often occurs in children

longitudinal fracture

a fracture that runs parallel to the long axis of the bone

oblique fracture

A break across the bone at an angle

pathologic fracture

a fracture resulting from pressure on weakened bone; due to osteoporosis or cancer, for instance

simple fracture

a broken bone that does not penetrate the skin; also called closed fracture

spiral fracture

a fracture in which the bone has been twisted apart, common sports injury

transverse fracture

A fracture that runs straight across the bone, at a right angle to the long axis. It is often caused by a direct blow or prolonged stress, such as from running

kyphosis

Abnormal, outward curvature of the thoracic spine; humpback; called Dowager's hump in older women

lordosis

Abnormal, forward curvature of the lumbar spine; swayback

scoliosis

abnormal lateral curvature of the spine