A fracture is the medical term for a broken bone, which is when there is a break in a bone, often caused by a strong force, impact, pressure or stress. On average, a person is expected to experience two fractures in his or her lifetime.
- Closed (Simple) fracture: A fracture in which the skin is intact.
- Open (Compound) fracture: A fracture which a bone is exposed.
- Complete fracture: A fracture in which bone fragments separate completely.
- Incomplete fracture: A fracture in which the bone fragments are still partially joined.
- Linear fracture: A fracture that is parallel to the bone’s long axis.
- Transverse fracture: A fracture that is at a right angle to the bone’s long axis.
- Oblique fracture: A fracture that is diagonal to a bone’s long axis.
- Spiral fracture: A fracture where at least one part of the bone has been twisted.
- Comminuted fracture: A fracture in which the bone has broken into a number of pieces.
- Compacted fracture: A fracture caused when bone fragments are driven into each other.
If you have suffered fractures as part of your personal injury, then call our Specialist Advice Centre on 0844 854 5090