What Are the Different Kinds of Bone Fractures?

A bone fracture is the breaking of a bone and are relatively common injuries. Fractures occur when the amount of physical stress placed on a bone overwhelms its strength.

Greenstick Fracture

• Greenstick fractures occur when the bone bends as opposed to breaking cleanly. These types of fractures are common in children and the elderly.

Impact Fracture

• An impact fracture occurs when a bone breaks and its two broken ends are forced against each other. This type of fracture is commonly referred to as a stress fracture or hairline fracture.

Oblique Fracture

• An oblique fracture occurs when the bone breaks in a curved pattern. This type of fracture will appear to slope on an X-ray.

Pathologic Fracture

• A pathologic fracture occurs when the bones have been weakened by age or disease. This type of fracture is commonly found in the elderly.

Compound Fracture

• A compound fracture, or open fracture, occurs when a bone breaks and a section of the bone is forced through the skin. This type of fracture can be life threatening as veins and arteries run alongside bones and could be torn.