17: How to Describe a Fracture

Question 1

this is a plane radiograph of the?

Answer 1

left forearm
- can see radius, ulna, elbow joint, wrist joint, carpals, metacarpals, humerus etc

Question 2

Answer 2

shaft of bone

Question 3

what is the shape (configuration) of this fracture?

Answer 3

simple fracture: transverse (usually due to direct trauma/blow)

Question 4

what is the shape (configuration) of this fracture?

Answer 4

simple fracture: oblique shape (usually due to a bending moment of force with slight rotation)

Question 5

what is the shape (configuration) of this fracture?

Answer 5

simple fracture: spiral shape (always due to a rotational force)

Question 6

what is the shape (configuration) of this fracture?

Answer 6

complex fracture (combo of forces, often causing communition +++): butterfly comminution present

Question 7

what is the shape (configuration) of this fracture?

Answer 7

complex fracture: segmental comminution

Question 8

what factors are used to describe a skeletal deformity on a radiograph?

Answer 8

How has the distal bone moved?

• displacement
• angulation
• rotation