Chapter 4: Chapter 4: Musculoskeletal SystemMusculoskeletal SystemTypes of Fractures

In this presentation:Traits, diagnosis, treatment, and examples of greenstick, compound, and compression fractures.

Greenstick Fracture – Traits Greenstick Fracture – Traits Greenstick fractures result in an

incomplete break, as opposed to transverse fractures which run completely through the affected bone.

Commonly found in children due to their softer and generally more pliable bone structures.

More common in upper extremities.

Greenstick Fracture – Dx & TxGreenstick Fracture – Dx & TxDiagnosed by x-ray and physical

examination.Difficult to diagnose due to lower rates

of swelling and pain.Easily misdiagnosed as sprains.Treatment for greenstick fractures

generally includes immobilization in a cast or splint to allow proper healing and protect the bone from further injury.

Greenstick Fracture – Example Greenstick Fracture – Example An example of greenstick fractures is

shown below. Note the incomplete break.

Compound Fracture – Traits Compound Fracture – Traits Compound fractures result in the

affected bone breaking through the layers of tissue covering it.

One of the most serious types of fractures, compound fractures need to be attended to quickly to reduce the risk of infection.

Common in both upper and lower extremities.

Compound Fracture – Dx & TxCompound Fracture – Dx & TxDiagnosed by physical exam and x-ray.Easily identified due to bone protrusions

and/or open wounds at the site of the fracture.

Aggressive treatment is necessary to stabilize the bone and close the wound.

Tx may include a cast, internal or external skeletal stabilization, and therapy or rehabilitation.

Compound Fracture – Example Compound Fracture – Example An example of a compound fracture is

shown below. Note the severe angle.

Compression Fracture – Traits Compression Fracture – Traits Compression fractures result in the loss

of height in a vertebral body.May be caused by trauma, but other

conditions such as osteoporosis can also result in compression fractures.

Can result in lost height, back pain, and/or kyphosis (a hunched posture).

In rare cases, may result in numbness, tingling, or loss of bowel/bladder control.

Compression Fracture – Dx & TxCompression Fracture – Dx & TxDiagnosed by physical exam, x-ray, or

bone density test.PT may be considered at risk if

osteoporosis or other bone-weakening diseases are already known.

Treatment generally includes medication for pain management, supplements to increase calcium levels, and braces or physical therapy.

Compression Fracture – Example Compression Fracture – Example An example of a compression fracture.

Note the difference between compressed and non-fractured vertebrae.

SourcesSourcesMayo Clinic

www.mayoclinic.orgU.S. National Library of Medicine

www.nlm.nih.govMedical Terminology: A Living Language

Fremgen, Frecht; 5e