FracturesEsther Tharakaturi

Greenstick Fractures• This is an incomplete fracture.• The reason this fracture is called greenstick is

because if you try to break a green stick of wood it doesn’t break all the way, it just cracks. That’s what happens to the bone.

• These fractures are harder to diagnose since they do not have the symptoms of a fracture.

• These fractures are more common in children, because their bones are softer and more flexible than older people.

Greenstick FractureThis pictures shows why it is hard

to diagnose. From the outside both legs look very similar.

The symptoms for the Greenstick fractures are very few if not any and can be mistaken for sprains. Symptoms include bending, swelling, or displacement. One can never tell there is a fracture.

If the person can not move or carry weight on the injured area, medical attention is necessary.

Greenstick Fractures• Causes – Usually when a child falls and outstretches

his/her arms to break the fall.• Tests – An x-ray is the most common procedure done

to identify a greenstick fracture. Although sometimes a ultrasound or CT scan is needed to get a clearer picture since children’s bones are softer .

• Treatments – A cast is put on to immobilize the bone so it can grow back together. In seven to ten days another x-ray is done to make sure bone is healing properly.

• Prevention – Regularly exercise to build up strong bones, wear safety gear when playing sports, and make sure to have right amount of calcium in diet.

Compound Fracture

• Is a open fracture that penetrates the skin.

• These fractures are considered to be a surgical emergency.

• Open fractures have a bigger risk for a deep bone infection.

• It is very important to distinguish an open fracture because of the larger risk of infection. There are also more problems for healing.

Compound Fractures

With a Compound Fracture the bone cuts through the skin.

This is why it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Then it is more likely to be able to prevent an infection.

Compound Fracture

• Causes – Open Fractures are usually caused by high-energy injuries for example, car accidents and falls.

• Treatment – Most of the time these fractures require immediate surgery. The skin has been broken through which increases the rate that the infection can travel. Emergency care, antibiotics, cleaning of the injury, and the stabilization of the bones can help heal the bones and help prevent an infection.

• Healing- Open fractures take longer to heal because of the extent of the injury.

Simple Fracture

• Is a crack or break of the bone that does not penetrate the skin

• The bone usually breaks into two pieces

• There are many different types of simple fractures, which are determined by the actual break in the bone. Examples of simple fractures are hairline, greenstick, and oblique.

Simple Fracture

With simple fractures the skin still remains intact. Just because the bone did not protrude out does not mean this fracture should get less attention. The bone unaligned can damage ligaments and blood vessels.

Simple Fractures

• Symptoms – pain, swelling, bruising, limitation of movement and numbness are all associated with fractures.

• Treatment – x-rays will help determine what kind of fracture it is. Then the bone is realigned and set into place; a cast is worn.

• Healing – It will depend on the kind of fracture it is and the age of the person. Usually the older the person the longer it takes.