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
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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
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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
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Non-displaced Fracture
Bone cracks but maintains its normal alignment. -
Displaced Fracture
Bone fragments are not aligned properly:-
Angulated
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Rotated
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Overriding (shortened)
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4. Based on Cause
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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
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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
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Complete Fracture
Bone is broken completely into two or more parts. -
Incomplete Fracture
Bone is partially broken:-
Greenstick
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Fissure (Hairline)
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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.