Fracture and its types

Fracture:

A common term heard in everyone’s life. What is it? Fracture is a break in the bone. It can be caused by a fall, injury during sports, accidents, etc. When the force applied on a bone is more than it can withstand, a fracture occurs.

We all know that fractures are common in the hip, wrist, ankle, femur, etc. But we should also have knowledge about the types of fractures so that we can be aware of the treatment plan and prognosis.


TYPES OF FRACTURES


1. Based on Skin Involvement

  • Closed (Simple) Fracture
    Bone breaks but the skin remains intact.

  • Open (Compound) Fracture
    Bone breaks and pierces through the skin.


2. Based on Break Pattern

  • Transverse Fracture
    Break is straight across the bone.

  • Oblique Fracture
    Break occurs at an angle.

  • Spiral Fracture
    Twisting force causes a spiral-shaped break.

  • Comminuted Fracture
    Bone breaks into three or more pieces.

  • Segmental Fracture
    Bone is broken in two places, creating a separate segment.

  • Greenstick Fracture
    Incomplete fracture; one side bends and the other breaks (common in children).


3. Based on Displacement

  • Non-displaced Fracture
    Bone cracks but maintains its normal alignment.

  • Displaced Fracture
    Bone fragments are not aligned properly:

    • Angulated

    • Rotated

    • Overriding (shortened)


4. Based on Cause

  • Traumatic Fracture
    Caused by direct injury or accident.

  • Pathological Fracture
    Occurs in weakened bone (e.g., osteoporosis, tumors).

  • Stress (Fatigue) Fracture
    Caused by repetitive strain or overuse.

  • Avulsion Fracture
    A fragment of bone is pulled off by a tendon or ligament.


5. Special Types

  • Impacted Fracture
    One fragment is driven into another.

  • Compression Fracture
    Bone is crushed (common in vertebrae).

  • Depressed Fracture
    Bone fragment is pushed inward (common in skull).

  • Epiphyseal Fracture
    Fracture involving the growth plate in children.


6. Based on Completeness

  • Complete Fracture
    Bone is broken completely into two or more parts.

  • Incomplete Fracture
    Bone is partially broken:

    • Greenstick

    • Fissure (Hairline)


Symptoms of fracture:

Pain, swelling, inability to move the affected area, deformity, etc.

Treatment of fractures:

It can include immobilization of the affected part using a cast, splint, or brace, reduction where the doctor aligns the bone, surgery using plates, screws, rods, etc. Physiotherapy and rehabilitation are essential after surgery.

Any type of fracture requires medical consultation with a doctor.

4 Likes

This article provides a detailed information on Fracture!

1 Like

The author’s explanation is both informative and motivating, helping readers feel confident about learning what can often seem like a complex subject but you have made the topic of fractures and their types easy to understand and truly engaging.

1 Like

All fracture types nicely explained.

2 Likes

Clear and concise overview of fractures and their types—helpful for quick revision and basic understanding.

2 Likes

Well explained!All types of the fracture in Clear and concise

1 Like

very well explained and useful..

1 Like

Most of us knew only “FRACTURE”. Simple yet complete information about different types of fracture. Very useful post.

2 Likes