Fractures

Question 1

Pathological

Answer 1

The bone breaks in an area that is weakened by disease, such osteoporosis, some cancers, infection, and certain inherited bone disorders.

Question 2

Stress

Answer 2

Common among athletes, this is a small crack in a bone caused by overuse and repetitive activity.

Question 3

Closed

Answer 3

The broken bone doesn’t break the skin.

Question 4

Open

Answer 4

The ends of the broken bone tear through the skin, putting the patient at a higher risk of infection.

Question 5

Greenstick

Answer 5

The bone bends and cracks instead of breaking into pieces.

Question 6

Comminuted

Answer 6

The bone is splintered or crushed into small pieces.

Question 7

Spiral

Answer 7

At least one part of the bone has been twisted.

Question 8

Oblique

Answer 8

The break occurs at an angle across the bone.

Question 9

Transverse

Answer 9

The break occurs straight across the bone.

Question 10

Colles’

Answer 10

A break of the radius bone close to the wrist that results from a fall onto an outstretched hand.

Question 11

Hairline

Answer 11

The bone is broken in a thin crack. This type of fracture is hard to detect on routine x-ray.