Fracture Types
Describe a simple (closed) fracture.
A fracture where the bone breaks but does not pierce the skin.
What type of growth makes bones longer?
Longitudinal growth.
What is the infection level risk for closed fractures?
Low
What type of force causes an oblique fracture?
A sharp, angled force.
What happens during cartilage formation?
Chondrocytes in the epiphyseal plate divide rapidly, forming new cartilage layers.
Describe a compound (open) fracture.
A fracture where the bone breaks and pierces through the skin, exposing it to the environment.
What type of growth makes bones thicker?
Appositional growth.
What is the infection risk for open fractures?
High risk due to exposure to bacteria and debris.
What repetitive action causes stress fractures?
Activities like running or jumping repeatedly over time.
What is cartilage calcification?
The process where cartilage hardens due to calcium and phosphate deposits.
What is a greenstick fracture?
A fracture where the bone bends and cracks on one side without breaking completely, common in children.
What activity can promote appositional growth?
Weight-bearing exercise or strength training.
Why do greenstick fractures heal well in children?
Children’s bones are flexible and heal quickly with immobilization.
Why are children more prone to greenstick fractures?
Their bones are softer and more flexible.
What happens when chondrocytes die?
They create spaces for blood vessels and osteoblasts to enter.
What is an oblique fracture?
A fracture where the break is at an angle across the bone.
What is ossification?
The process where cartilage is replaced by bone tissue.
Why do spiral fractures often require surgical repair?
They are unstable and may need screws or rods for stabilization.
What force causes transverse fractures?
Direct impacts or blows perpendicular to the bone.
What role do osteoblasts play?
They build new bone tissue to replace cartilage.
What is a stress fracture?
Tiny cracks in the bone caused by repetitive stress or overuse.
What signals growth plate closure?
Hormones such as estrogen and testosterone during puberty.
What is a long-term risk of untreated stress fractures?
Chronic pain and worsening of the fracture.
What motion causes spiral fractures?
Twisting or rotational forces.
What happens when the epiphyseal plate closes?
Lengthwise bone growth stops, typically signaling the end of puberty.