Types of fractures

There are various types of fractures, and in addition to different anatomical sites, the morphology of the fracture also varies. The fracture line may be transverse, oblique, spiral, etc. There can be one or more fracture lines. A fracture with more than one fracture line is called a comminuted fracture. The fracture may be displaced or undisplaced after the fracture.

Sometimes, the fracture ends are inserted into each other, which is called an insertion fracture. In cancellous bone, compression deformation can occur under external forces, called compression fractures, such as compression fractures of the vertebrae and heel bone.

The stability of the fracture varies with the form of the fracture. Non-displaced fractures, inset fractures and transverse fractures are not easily re-displaced after repositioning and are stable fractures oblique fractures, spiral fractures and comminuted fractures are not easily fixed and are unstable fractures.

The site and type of fracture are treated differently. The site and type of fracture are the main basis for deciding the treatment method and are closely related to the choice of treatment method.

Stable fractures are mostly fixed by small splints or casts, which is a simple method and less painful for the patient.

Unstable fractures can be cured by the above mentioned external fixation methods, but sometimes surgical incision and internal fixation is required. Fractures of the femoral stem require surgical fixation because of the strong surrounding muscles. Fractures of the femoral neck and intertrochanteric fracture in middle-aged and old people can be fixed by percutaneous puncture with multiple needles, which is a simple surgical method and causes little damage to the patient.