Compound Fractures: Classification, Causes, Symptoms

Compound Fracture Classification of Fractures

• Based on plane of fracture surface:
  • Linear fractures: Fracture which run parallel to long axis of bone.
  • Transverse fracture: Fracture in right angle with axis of bone
  • Oblique fracture: Fracture with oblique fracture line
  • Spiral fracture: Fracture with spiral fracture line
  • Comminuted fracture: Fracture with splintered or crushed bone with more than two fragments.
  • Segmental fracture: Fracture, where a part of bone is completely separated from, are not bone with same diameter.

“Common Causes Of Compound Fractures“

Read And Learn More: Maxillofacial Fractures, Disorders, and Treatments

• Based on etiology of fracture:
  • Traumatic fractures
  • Pathological fractures
  • Stress fractures
• Based on condition of soft tissue:
  • Close or simple fracture: This fracture lacks communication between site of fracture and exterior of body
  • Open or compound fracture: In this, fracture a wound is present through the adjacent or overlying soft tissue communicates outside the body.

“High-Impact Injuries Causing Compound Fractures“

• Special fractures:
  • Depressed fracture: It is common in skull bone
  • Fracture-dislocation: Anterior dislocation of shoulder along with fracture neck of humerus.
  • Fracture involving a joint
  • Complex fracture: These fractures involve major nerves and vessels.

“Trauma Leading To Compound Fractures”

Clinical Features Of Compound Fracture

• Swelling or bruising over a bone.
• Deformity of an arm or leg.
• Pain in the injured area that gets worse when the area is moved or pressure is applied.
• Loss of function in the injured area.
• Bone appears protruding from the skin.
• Bleeding is present at the fracture site.
• Presence of contamination of fracture site by mud, dirt,etc.
• Victim heard a bone break or snap or heard a grating sensation.