CH. 4 Pathology Notes
A fracture -
The most common skeletal abnormality seen in general radiology practice
A disruption of bone caused by mechanical forces applied either directly to the bone or transmitted
along the shaft of a bone -
What is a fracture?
Radiolucent line crossing the bone and disrupting the cortical margins -
A fracture typically appears as what?
A radiopaque line -
Overlap of fragments may produce what?
Joint effusion, soft tissue swelling, and interruption of the normal pattern of trabeculae -
Secondary signs of a fracture?
- By extent, direction, & position
- the number of fracture lines
- the integrity of the overlying skin -
How are fractures classified?
Complete fracture -
Results in discontinuity between two or more fragments
Incomplete fracture -
Causes only partial discontinuity, with a portion of the cortex remaining intact
Closed fracture -
The overlying skin is intact
Open/compound fracture -
The overlying skin is disrupted
Transverse fracture -
Runs at a right angle to the long axis of the bone - most commonly results from a direct blow
or is a fracture within the pathologic bone
Oblique fracture -
Runs a course of approximately 45 degrees to the long axis of the bone - caused by
angulation and compression forces
Spiral fracture -
Encircles the shaft, is generally longer than an oblique fracture, and is caused by torsional
forces
