A fracture refers to a break or crack in a bone, and it can occur due to various reasons like trauma, falls, accidents, or weak bones.

While fractures can happen to anyone, regardless of age or gender, understanding the different types of fractures is crucial for proper diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. This article explores 12 common types of fractures observed in bones.

1. Closed Fracture

A closed fracture, also known as a simple fracture, occurs when the bone breaks but does not penetrate or protrude through the skin. The broken bone remains enclosed within the soft tissue, causing minimal risk of infection.

2. Open Fracture

An open fracture, also referred to as a compound fracture, is when the broken bone pierces through the skin, exposing it to the external environment. This type of fracture carries a higher risk of infection and requires immediate medical attention.

3. Comminuted Fracture

A comminuted fracture refers to a fracture where the bone breaks into several small fragments or pieces. This type of fracture often occurs due to high-energy trauma, such as car accidents or severe falls.

4. Greenstick Fracture

Greenstick fractures commonly occur in children, especially those with developing bones. In this type of fracture, the bone bends on one side but only partially breaks on the other side. It resembles the way a green twig breaks.

5. Stress Fracture

A stress fracture is a hairline crack that occurs due to repetitive stress over time.

Athletes and individuals involved in high-impact activities are more prone to stress fractures, which commonly affect weight-bearing bones such as the tibia (shinbone) or metatarsals (bones of the foot).

6. Avulsion Fracture

An avulsion fracture happens when a small piece of bone tears away from the main bone due to the forceful contraction of a tendon or ligament. It typically occurs in areas where tendons or ligaments attach to the bone.

7. Pathological Fracture

A pathological fracture occurs when a bone breaks as a result of an underlying disease or condition that weakens the bone structure. Conditions such as osteoporosis, bone infections, or tumors can lead to pathological fractures.

8. Compression Fracture

A compression fracture usually occurs in the vertebrae, the bones that make up the spine. It happens when the bone collapses or crumbles due to forces like excessive pressure, trauma, or conditions like osteoporosis.

9. Depressed Fracture

A depressed fracture is characterized by a broken bone that gets pushed inward, causing a visible indentation. This type of fracture often occurs in cranial bones, such as those in the skull, due to severe head injuries.

10. Displaced Fracture

In a displaced fracture, the broken bone fragments are separated and no longer aligned properly, causing a visible deformity. Displaced fractures usually require realignment (reduction) before immobilization and healing.

11. Spiral Fracture

Spiral fractures are characterized by a twisted or helical pattern along the bone. This type of fracture is commonly associated with excessive torsion or twisting forces on the bone. Spiral fractures can be seen in long bones like the femur (thigh bone).

12. Epiphyseal Fracture

Epiphyseal fractures occur at the growth plate or epiphyseal plate of long bones in growing children and adolescents. The growth plate is a cartilage area that allows bones to grow.

These fractures require careful monitoring to avoid complications that may impact bone growth.