Distinguish a simple fracture from a compound fracture.

In a simple fracture the bone breaks but stays within the tissues, whereas in a compound fracture one of the broken ends pierces the skin and is exposed.

What is a greenstick fracture, and who typically suffers one?

A greenstick fracture is an incomplete break in which the bone bends and splits on one side only, and it happens in young children whose bones contain a higher proportion of collagen and are therefore more flexible.

What is a comminuted fracture, and what causes it?

A comminuted fracture is one in which the bone is shattered into more than two fragments, caused either by a violent impact such as a road accident or by a modest force acting on bone already weakened by disease.

What is an impacted fracture?

An impacted fracture is one in which the broken ends are driven into each other, typically when someone falls heavily onto an outstretched arm.

What is a stress fracture, and how does it arise?

A stress fracture is a hairline crack produced not by a single blow but by repeated loading over weeks, so that microscopic damage accumulates faster than the bone can repair it, and it is common in the foot and shin bones of runners.

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Human Musculoskeletal Anatomy: Structure and Function of the Skeleton

Fractures and postural deformities

3 things to know
Component 3

Overview

Greenstick fracture, comminuted fracture and impacted fracture.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Your recallNot started

Key term

Describe how a broken bone repairs itself.

Key term

Why is a broken bone held still in a cast or fixed with a metal plate?

Key term

Why is a compound fracture more dangerous than a simple one?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1
Distinguish a simple fracture from a compound fracture.
Model answer
In a simple fracture the bone breaks but stays within the tissues, whereas in a compound fracture one of the broken ends pierces the skin and is exposed.
2
Why is a compound fracture more dangerous than a simple one?
Model answer
The open wound lets bacteria reach the bone and the marrow, so infection is likely, and there is usually much more damage to blood vessels and soft tissue as well.
3
What is a greenstick fracture, and who typically suffers one?
Model answer
A greenstick fracture is an incomplete break in which the bone bends and splits on one side only, and it happens in young children whose bones contain a higher proportion of collagen and are therefore more flexible.
4
What is a comminuted fracture, and what causes it?
Model answer
A comminuted fracture is one in which the bone is shattered into more than two fragments, caused either by a violent impact such as a road accident or by a modest force acting on bone already weakened by disease.
5
What is an impacted fracture?
Model answer
An impacted fracture is one in which the broken ends are driven into each other, typically when someone falls heavily onto an outstretched arm.
6
What is a stress fracture, and how does it arise?
Model answer
A stress fracture is a hairline crack produced not by a single blow but by repeated loading over weeks, so that microscopic damage accumulates faster than the bone can repair it, and it is common in the foot and shin bones of runners.

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