Extent/shape

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Description of fractures

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In a complete fracture, the bone is broken into two or more pieces. Types of complete fracture are:

In an incomplete fracture, the bone is incompletely divided and the periosteum retains continuity:

Complete fractures are liable to be displaced. If this occurs, then it is worthwhile describing also the displacement. Conventionally this is in terms of:

apposition - have the fragments been shifted such that the surfaces are no longer apposed

alignment - have the fragments been tilted. Uncorrected malalignment often leads to deformity

rotation - have any of the fragments been rotated on its longitudinal axis

length - do the fragments overlap or are they distracted

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Extent/shape

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