Bone Fractures

Depressed Fracture: a fracture especially of the skull in which the fragment is depressed below the normal surface

Simple Fracture

A simple fracture is a crack or break in a bone that does not pierce the skin.

Open ReductionOpen reduction of a fracture involves making an incision in the skin and putting the fractured bones together and stabilizing with screws or plates or rods.

Closed Reduction

Closed reduction refers to manipulation of the bone fragments without surgical exposure of the fragments

Greenstick FractureA greenstick fracture is a type of simple fracture in which only one side of the bone is broken while the opposite side is bent. It resembles the breaking of a green tree branch, hence the name. In greenstick fractures, the ends of the fractured bone are less likely to displace because part of the bone is still intact. This type of fracture occurs most often in children because their bones are less rigid and brittle. Treatment for greenstick fractures is the same as for other fractures. But greenstick fractures may heal faster than other fractures. Treatment of Greenstick Fracture Often, greenstick fractures may be left alone since children remodel bones well. Occasionally, reduction may be necessary in which case it is best to either break the bone completely, or to manage in a cast with 3 point pressure - above, below and opposite the site of damage.

Spiral Fracture A fracture, sometimes called a torsion fracture, in which a bone has been twisted apart.

Compression FractureIn a compression fracture the body of the bone tissue of the vertebra collapses. This can occur because of trauma or a disease process such as osteoporosis or a tumor.