What is the specific name of a fracture called?

Fracture nomenclature uses specific terminology to describe the characteristics of a fracture. Common specific names of fractures include:

1. Closed or Simple Fracture: A fracture where the skin remains intact and has not been penetrated by the broken bone.

2. Open or Compound Fracture: A fracture where the broken bone protrudes through the skin, creating an open wound communicating with the external environment.

3. Comminuted Fracture: A fracture in which the bone is broken into several fragments or pieces.

4. Greenstick Fracture: An incomplete fracture commonly seen in children where the bone bends and partially cracks but does not completely break.

5. Impacted Fracture: A fracture where the broken bone fragments are driven into each other, making one portion embedded within the other.

6. Avulsion Fracture: A fracture caused by forceful detachment of a bony fragment or a tendon or ligament from its normal attachment.

7. Spiral Fracture: A fracture that occurs when a twisting force is applied to the bone, leading to a helical or spiral pattern of the fracture line.

8. Oblique Fracture: A fracture where the fracture line runs at an angle through the bone shaft.

9. Transverse Fracture: A fracture where the fracture line is perpendicular to the long axis of the bone.

10. Stress Fracture: A fracture caused by repeated stress rather than a single traumatic event. Stress fractures often occur in athletes or during strenuous physical activity.

11. Compression Fracture: A fracture caused by pressure or force along the length of the bone, often associated with bones that bear weight, such as the vertebrae.

12. Pathological Fracture: A fracture that occurs in a weakened bone due to an underlying condition, such as osteoporosis, infection, or a tumor.

It's important to note that fractures can have additional descriptive terms to provide more details about their location, configuration, or displacement characteristics. Medical professionals use these specific names and descriptive terms to effectively communicate, diagnose, and manage fractures.

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