Characterization of Bone Fractures

In this lecture, bone fractures are characterized based on six categories, some of which may overlap:

Location of Fracture
- Where the fracture occurs in the body.
External Appearance
- How the fracture appears from the outside.
Type or Nature of the Break
- The specifics of how the bone is broken.
Position of Bone Ends
- Non-displaced Fracture: Ends maintain their original position.
- Displaced Fracture: Ends are out of normal alignment.
Completeness of the Break
- Complete Break: Bone is broken all the way through.
- Incomplete Break: Bone is not broken all the way through.
Skin Penetration
- Open (Compound) Fracture: Bone penetrates the skin.
- Closed (Simple) Fracture: Skin remains intact.

Common Types of Fractures

Comminuted Fracture
- Bone fragments into three or more pieces.
- Common in elderly due to brittle bones.
- Displaced and complete fracture.
Compression Fracture
- Bone is crushed.
- Seen in osteoporotic patients or from extreme trauma (e.g., falls).
Spiral Fracture
- Caused by torsion or twisting forces.
- Common in sports.
- Complete and possibly compound fracture, often displaced.
Epiphyseal Fracture
- Occurs in adolescents.
- Cartilage in epiphyseal plate dies off leading to fracture between diaphysis and epiphysis.
Depressed Fracture
- Typically seen in the skull.
- Bone or portions of the bone are pushed inward.
Greenstick Fracture
- Similar to a green twig that bends but does not break completely.
- Incomplete break with non-displaced ends.
- Typically a simple fracture.

Reduction
- Closed Reduction: Realignment without surgery. Manipulation of bone ends into place.
- Open Reduction: Surgical intervention using pins and wires to maintain alignment.
Immobilization
- Depends on the severity, which bone is broken, and patient's age.
- Casting is a common method to maintain immobility and facilitate healing.