Fractures are classified by pattern including transverse, oblique, spiral, and comminuted; by whether the skin is broken; by displacement and angulation; and by involvement of the joint surface.
Established systems provide standardized classifications for specific anatomic regions.
Alternative Names:
Fracture Types, Fracture Pattern
Why it Matters?
Fracture pattern indicates mechanism, which can corroborate or contradict the reported account of an injury. Spiral fractures result from twisting forces and transverse fractures from direct impact, so a pattern inconsistent with the described mechanism warrants inquiry. Classification also drives prognosis, since intra-articular fractures involving the joint surface carry substantially higher risk of long-term arthritis and permanent impairment.
Frequently Confused with
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
What does fracture pattern indicate?
Why do intra-articular fractures matter more?
