What Are the Different Kinds of Bone Fractures?
A bone fracture is the breaking of a bone and are relatively common injuries. Fractures occur when the amount of physical stress placed on a bone overwhelms its strength.
Greenstick Fracture
Greenstick fractures occur when the bone bends as opposed to breaking cleanly. These types of fractures are common in children and the elderly.
Impact Fracture
An impact fracture occurs when a bone breaks and its two broken ends are forced against each other. This type of fracture is commonly referred to as a stress fracture or hairline fracture.
Oblique Fracture
An oblique fracture occurs when the bone breaks in a curved pattern. This type of fracture will appear to slope on an X-ray.
Pathologic Fracture
A pathologic fracture occurs when the bones have been weakened by age or disease. This type of fracture is commonly found in the elderly.
Compound Fracture
A compound fracture, or open fracture, occurs when a bone breaks and a section of the bone is forced through the skin. This type of fracture can be life threatening as veins and arteries run alongside bones and could be torn.
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