Describing Fractures

Question 1

Alignment - displacement

Answer 1

• Bone alignment along it’s long axis

Question 2

Shortening

Answer 2

• Proximal migration of the distal component
• Oblique fractures are more readily shortened than a transverse fracture

Question 3

Angulation

Answer 3

• Describe the direction of the distal bone and degree of angulation in relation to the proximal bone
• Medial angulation is termed varus
• Lateral angulation is termed valgus

Question 4

Rotation

Answer 4

• Rotation of a long bone fracture may be internal or external

Question 5

Distraction and impaction

Answer 5

• Increased overall length due to widening is distraction
• Shortening without loss of alignment is impaction

Question 6

Remember OLD ACID

Answer 6

• Open vs closed
• Location
• Degree (complete vs incomplete)
• Articulation involvement
• Communication and pattern
• Intrinsic bone quality
• Displacement, angulation and rotation