Interpreting Ortho Xrays

Question 1

Define pathologic fracture

Answer 1

Fracture through a cyst, tumor, or osteopenic bone

Question 2

Define avulsion fracture

Answer 2

Segment of bone pulled away by a ligament or tendon

Question 3

What is the best view to assess an angulated fracture?

Answer 3

Lateral

Question 4

Define displacement fracture

Answer 4

Translation without angulation in a given plane

Question 5

Define rotated fracture

Answer 5

Distal fragment is turned in relationship to proximal fragment

Question 6

Define shortened fracture

Answer 6

Shortened fractured bone in relation to normal length

Question 7

Define impacted fracture

Answer 7

Fractured bone is pushed onto itself

Question 8

Define communited fracture

Answer 8

Fracture is in multiple pieces

Question 9

Define open fracture

Answer 9

Skin is disrupted and bone protrudes out

Question 10

Salter Harris classification (short way)

Answer 10

SUDAC

1. Shifted (not usually seen on xray)
2. Up (proximal to growth plate)
3. Down (below growth plate)
4. Across (across growth plate)
5. Compressed

Question 11

Salter Harris classification (full definitions)

Answer 11

1. Physis fx
2. Metaphysis and physis
3. Epiphysis and physis
4. Epiphysis to metaphysis
5. Crush fx