Types of Fractures in Medicine

Types of Fractures

1. Closed Fracture (Non-Displaced Fracture)

• The bone breaks, but the skin remains intact
• The bone fragments do not penetrate the skin
• Less risk of infection compared to open fractures

2. Open Fracture (Compound Fracture)

• The bone breaks and pierces the skin
• Open wound, increasing the risk of infection
• Requires immediate medical attention to clean and dress the wound

3. Comminuted Fracture

• The bone breaks into multiple pieces
• Can be closed or open
• Often requires surgical intervention to stabilize the bone fragments

4. Compression Fracture

• Occurs when a bone collapses or flattens due to compression
• Common in the spine, especially in osteoporotic patients
• Can cause kyphosis or scoliosis

5. Greenstick Fracture

• Incomplete fracture, where the bone bends and partially breaks
• Common in children, as their bones are more flexible
• May not require surgical intervention

6. Spiral Fracture

• A twisting force causes the bone to break in a spiral pattern
• Often occurs in long bones, such as the femur or tibia
• Can be displaced or non-displaced

7. Transverse Fracture

• The bone breaks at a right angle to its axis
• Can be closed or open
• Often requires surgical intervention to stabilize the broken bone

8. Oblique Fracture

• The bone breaks at an angle, rather than a straight line
• Can be closed or open
• May require surgical intervention to stabilize the broken bone

Types of Fractures

• Closed Fracture (Non-Displaced Fracture)

  • Bone integrity is maintained; skin remains intact.
  • Fragments do not penetrate the skin, minimizing infection risks.

• Open Fracture (Compound Fracture)

  • Bone breaks and pierces the skin, creating an open wound.
  • Higher risk of infection necessitates urgent medical care for wound management.

• Comminuted Fracture

  • Bone shatters into multiple pieces, possibly creating numerous fragments.
  • Can present as either closed or open; frequently requires surgery for stabilization.

• Compression Fracture

  • Occurs when bone collapses under pressure; prevalent in the spinal column.
  • Often seen in osteoporotic patients and can lead to spinal deformities like kyphosis or scoliosis.

• Greenstick Fracture

  • An incomplete fracture characterized by bending; typically seen in children.
  • Due to bone flexibility, these fractures are often managed without surgery.

• Spiral Fracture

  • Caused by a twisting force, resulting in a helical break pattern.
  • Typically affects long bones such as the femur and tibia, and can be either displaced or non-displaced.

• Transverse Fracture

  • Features a break perpendicular to the bone's axis.
  • Can be classified as closed or open and often requires surgical procedures for stabilization.

• Oblique Fracture

  • Characterized by a break at an angle to the bone's axis.
  • Similar to transverse fractures, can be closed or open, and may need surgical intervention for repair.

Learn about the different types of fractures, including closed, open, comminuted, compression, greenstick, and spiral fractures. Understand their characteristics and treatment options.