A description of four fractures

1. FRACTURES By: Jessica Kontopoulos Biology 120 Chapter 4 Professor: R Abdullah

2. Fracture- Definition A fracture is a complete or incomplete break in a bone resulting from the application of excessive force. Closed (Simple)- a fracture with no open skin wound Open (Compound)- a fracture in which the skin has been broken through to the fracture. I will discuss the following fractures Colles’ ,Greenstick, Pathological, and Comminuted

3. Fracture Overview Fractures cause pain and swelling. Complications may involve damage to nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and internal organs and can be serious. Most are diagnosed by x-rays, CT or MRI Treatments range from mild restrictions on activity to casts or surgery. Rehabilitation is helpful to build strength and range Vary greatly in size and severity

4. Colles’ Fracture A distal fracture of the radius in the forearm with dorsal (posterior) displacement of the wrist. Commonly referred to as “dinner fork deformity” due to it’s shape Occurs in all ages but elderly patients are more prone. Usually caused by a fall or over use Treated with cast or immobilization of the area

5. Greenstick Fracture A fracture which there is an incomplete break; one side is broken while the other side is bent Most common in children due to softer and flexible bones Can be difficult to diagnose Treatment is usually immobilization of the bone

6. Pathological Fracture A fracture that is caused by a disease or weakness to the bone Most common caused by tumors, cysts, infections, and inherited done disorders Most fractures occur when patient is doing normal day to day activity Treatment can be more difficult because you must treat the underlying disease as well as the fracture

7. Comminuted Fracture A fracture in which the bone is shattered, splintered, or crushed into many small pieces or fragments Can occur anywhere along the length of the bone Most common in elderly people or in people with conditions which weaken the bones, Most often as a result of car accident or severe fall Can easily become infected Treatment may include the use of several pins to fuse bones together

8. Conclusion There are many different types of fractures and many times treatment methods can differ depending on a many variables such as size of fracture, location, age of patient, patients current health status.

9. References Fremgen, B. F. (2009). Medical Terminology A living language fourth edition. New Jersey: Pearson Education. http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/oblique+fracture http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colles%27_fracture http://orthopedics.about.com/cs/brokenbones/g/pathologic.htm http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec24/ch299666/ch299666a.html