GENERAL CLASSIFICATIONS

A fracture is the breaking of any part, especially a bone. The abbreviation for fracture is Fx. Fractures are generally classified as simple or compound. A fracture is closed if the overlying skin is intact; it is compound or open when there is an external wound leading to the break of the bone. Fractures are further classified by position, number of fragments, and direction of fracture line. 

SPECIFIC CLASSIFICATIONS

A transverse fracture is usually a straight-line break at right angles to the long axis of the bone.

A spiral fracture has an S-shape fracture line.

The fracture line of a longitudinal fracture roughly parallels the long axis of the bone.

An oblique fracture extends diagonally to the long axis of the bone.

With an impacted fracture, the broken ends or fragments are jammed firmly together.

In the case of a greenstick fracture, one side of the bone is broken and the other side bent.

A comminuted fracture is one in which the bone is crushed or splintered into three or more fragments.

A stellate fracture is a fracture with a central point of injury from which radiate numerous fissures.

A buttonhole fracture is a fracture in which the bone is perforated by a missile.

A compression fracture is produced by compression and usually results in a decrease of the size of the bone.

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