Fracture Types
A straight break that cuts horizontally across the bone at a right angle.
Transverse
This is the long, central shaft of a long bone.
diaphysis
This narrow region connects the femoral head to the shaft of the femur.
femoral neck
A patient falls from a ladder and complains of severe pain in their lower leg. The doctor suspects a broken bone and needs a quick image to confirm the fracture. Which imaging technique would most likely be used?
X-ray
Which is preferred for a long bone fracture repair? Plating or nailing?
Nailing (intramedullary nail)
An incomplete break where the bone bends and splinters on one side, common in soft children's bones.
Greenstick
These are the enlarged ends of a long bone where joints are formed.
epiphyses
A patient has a fracture involving the rounded end of the femur that normally fits into the acetabulum of the pelvis. Which specific structure is injured?
femoral head
Who helped make X-rays stronger and more accurate? This person also developed mobile X-ray units.
Marie Curie
A patient has a simple, stable fracture that is properly aligned. The doctor wants to prevent movement while the bone heals. What treatment would most likely be used?
casting/immobilization
A severe break where the bone shatters into three or more pieces.
Comminuted
This strong, dense layer makes up the outer portion of a long bone and provides strength
compact bone
This is the main function of the femur?
weight-bearing and movement
A patient has difficulty swallowing, and the physician wants to watch the movement of structures in the throat while the patient swallows. Which type of imaging uses real-time images to observe movement?
Ultrasound
A patient has a complicated fracture with significant displacement. The bone fragments are not staying in proper alignment. What treatment will be best?
surgery- (likely plating)
A single bone breaks in two different places, creating a floating middle segment.
Segmental
Where is yellow bone marrow primarily found?
medullary cavity
A patient suffers a femur fracture that extends into the hip joint space, disrupting the smooth surface where the bones meet. Would this be classified as an intra-articular or extra-articular fracture?
intra-articular
A patient is experiencing severe abdominal pain. The physician wants a detailed view of the organs and tissues inside the abdomen & needs images showing different cross-sections of the body. Which imaging technique would be best?
CT Scan
During fracture healing, these cells are responsible for building new bone tissue to help repair the damaged area.
osteoblasts
A collapse of bone tissue, most often seen in the spinal vertebrae due to pressure or osteoporosis.
Compression fracture
The area of cartilage located between the epiphysis and diaphysis that is responsible for a long bone's growth.
the epiphyseal plate (growth plate)
This large, bony projection on the upper femur provides attachment points for several muscles and can be felt on the outside of the hip.
trochanter (greater trochanter)
A patient has a suspected brain tumor. The physician wants very detailed images of the brain's soft tissues without using ionizing radiation. Which type of imagining should be used?
MRI
As a fractured bone remodels, these cells break down and remove old or damaged bone tissue, helping reshape the bone.
osteoclasts