1. Fractures
Created By: Heidi Reese, Eric Szekely, and Tony Capatch

2. Types Of Fractures Simple Depressed Compound Impacted Comminuted
Compression
Depressed
Impacted
Spiral
Greenstick

3. Simple
Definition
Bone Breaks cleanly but does not penetrate the skin. It is sometimes called a “Closed Fracture.”
In a simple fracture the doctor will use their hands to coax the bones back into their normal position and then a cast or sling will be used to immobilize the bones and allow the fracture to heal.
Repair

4. Compound
Definition
Broken Ends of the bone protrude through soft tissues and the skin. Called an “Open Fracture.” More serious than a simple fracture; may result in a severe bone infection (osteomyelitis), requiring massive doses of antibiotics.
In a compound fracture you must align the fracture and allow it to be immobilized just like in a simple fracture, however it sometimes will not only need an external splint but also it may need fixed internally by using pins or wires.
Repair

5. Comminuted Definition
Bone breaks into many fragments. Particularly common in the aged whose bones are more brittle.
In a comminuted fracture the fragmented pieces much be put back together with pins, wires, etc and then just like any other fracture it must be immobilized so that it may heal.
Repair

6. Compression Definition
The Bone is crushed and this type of fracture is common in porous bones.
In most compression fractures treatment consists of immobilization and the wearing of a brace or corset.
Repair

7. Depressed
Definition
Broken bone portion is pressed inward this is typical of a skull fracture.
Depressed fractures may be treated with or without an operation. This all depends on the severity of the fracture elevation and debridement is the recommended surgical ways to treat a depressed fracture and if surgery is not necessary you would treat it just like the other fractures, with a cast and immobilization.
Repair

8. Impacted
Definition
Broken bone ends are forced into each other. This commonly occurs when one falls and attempts to break the fall with outstretched arms. This is common in hip fractures.
Impacted fractures are generally treated with immobilization where the fracture occurred and also using pins to stabilize the area and prevent later problems.
Repair

9. Spiral
Definition
Ragged break occurs when excessive twisting forces are applied to a bone. This type of fracture is common in sports fractures.
Spiral fractures are treated with surgical placement of pins or wires to return the bone to it’s normal position and then bracing is then used to immobilize the area.
Repair

10. Greenstick Definition
The bone breaks incompletely, much in the way a green twig breaks. Common in children, whose bones are relatively more collagen in their matrix and are more flexible than those of adults.
Generally treated with closed reduction and then by applying a cast to help immobilize and straighten out the bone.
Repair

11. Sources
References
Femoral Neck Fractures. (n.d.). Pain and Disability. Retrieved November 18, 2009, from
Fracture Repair - definition of Fracture Repair in the Medical dictionary - by the Free Online Medical Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia.. (n.d.). Medical Dictionary. Retrieved November 18, 2009, from
Zdeblick, T. (2009, February 20). Compression and Wedge Fractures: Treatment and Recovery. Back Pain, Neck Pain, Sciatica - Symptoms Exercises Treatments Causes. Retrieved November 18, 2009, from
greenstick fracture: Definition from Answers.com. (n.d.). Answers.com: Wiki Q&A combined with free online dictionary, thesaurus, and encyclopedias. Retrieved November 18, 2009, from
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