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