Concept and Etiology: Fractures are known as traumatic
musculoskeletal disorders and are the most common type, which
happens because of a break in the rigid structure of the bone (Story,
2018). Fractures can occur when a patient has a fall, is involved in an
accident, or has a sports-related injury (Story, 2018).
Classification:
Simple fracture—a fracture with a single break in the bone and
in which bone ends maintain their alignment and position:
Transverse fracture—a fracture straight across the bone shaft
Oblique fracture—a fracture at an angle to the bone shaft
Spiral fracture—a fracture that twists around the bone shaft
Comminuted fracture—a fracture characterized by multiple
fracture lines and bone pieces
Greenstick fracture—an incomplete fracture in which the bone
is bent and only the outer curve of the bend is broken;
commonly occurs in children because of minimal calcification
and often heals quickly
Compression fracture—a fracture in which the bone is crushed
or collapses into small pieces
(Story, 2018)
Clinical Manifestations:
Deformity (e.g., angulation, shortening, and rotation)
Swelling at the site (due to the inflammatory process triggered
by the tissue trauma)
Inability to move the affected limb
Crepitus (grating sound or sensation, usually occurring with
movement)
Pain (results from tissue trauma and muscle spasms triggered
by the bone fragments)
Paraesthesia
Muscle flaccidity progressing to spasms
(Story, 2018)
Diagnostic Tests:
Assess the patient’s history, physical examination (including
neurovascular assessment), and X-rays. (Story, 2018)
References
Story, L. (2018). Pathophysiology: A Practical Approach 3rd
edition. Burlington: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
