Fracture
A break in bone or cartilage. Although usually a result of trauma, a fracture can be the result of an acquired disease of bone, such as osteoporosis, or of abnormal formation of bone in a congenital disease of bone, such as osteogenesis imperfecta (‘brittle bone disease’). Fractures are classified according to their character and location (for example, greenstick fracture of the radius).
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- Fracture, basilar
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- Fracture, compound
Fracture, compound: A fracture in which a bone is sticking through the skin. Also known as an open ‘fracture.
- Fracture, comminuted
Fracture, comminuted: A fracture in which a bone is broken, splintered, or crushed into a number of pieces.