classification and definition of bone fracture
a bone is broken, but the skin is not broken
closed, or simple
the bone breaks into several pieces, usually two major pieces and several smaller fragments
comminuted
a bone is broken into at least two fragments
complete
the fracture occurs in a vertebra from trauma or pathology, leading to the vertebra being crushed
compression
the fractured bone parts are out of line
displaced
this is a partial fracture. one side breaks and the other bends
greenstick
the fracture consists of one bone fragment driven into another, resulting in shortening of a limb
impacted
the fracture does not extend completely across the bone. it can be hairline, as in a stress fracture in the foot, when there is no separation of the two fragments
incomplete
the fracture runs parallel to the long axis of the bone
linear
the fracture runs diagonally across the long axis of the bone
obilque
a fragment of the fractured bone breaks the skin, or a wound extends to the site of the fracture
open, or compound
the fracture occurs in an area of bone weakened by disease, such as cancer
pathologic
the fracture spirals around the long axis of the bone
spiral
this a fatigue fracture caused by repetitive, local stress on a bone, as occurs in marching or running
stress
the fracture is at right angles to the long axis of the bone
transverse