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). a 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.
