What Is An Incomplete Bone Break Called?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Greenstick fracture

– This is an incomplete fracture in which the bone is partially broken, partially bent; it is more common in children.

What is a partial fracture called?

Incomplete or Partial Fracture – There is a crack that does not reach across the entire width of the bone.

Greenstick Fracture

– Usually seen in children, this shows a break on one side and a bend or bow on the other side. It’s a type of partial fracture.

What is an incomplete fracture called?


A minor fracture

is also known as an incomplete fracture. When this happens, your bone doesn’t break completely. Often times, it’s only a hairline crack. Intense pain may also occur in the area and may be become worse when you move or touch it.

What are the types of incomplete fracture?

  • hairline fracture, in which your bone is broken in a thin crack.
  • greenstick fracture, in which your bone is broken on one side, while the other side is bent.
  • buckle or torus fracture, in which your bone is broken on one side and a bump or raised buckle develops on the other side.

What fractures are incomplete breaks in bones?


Greenstick Fracture

: an incomplete fracture in which the bone is bent; occurs most often in children. Linear Fracture: the break is parallel to the bone’s long axis. Oblique Fracture: the break has a curved or sloped pattern. Pathologic Fracture: caused by a disease that weakens the bones.

How long does an incomplete fracture take to heal?

On average, it takes

about six to eight weeks

for a minor fracture to heal completely. Depending on the which bone is broken – and other factors such as age and an individual’s overall health – healing times can vary. As a general rule, as long as you feel the pain, the bone is still fragile.

Is hairline fracture serious?

Hairline fractures are easily dealt with, but medical attention should be sought immediately to prevent the injury from worsening. Ignoring a hairline

fracture can lead to a more serious fracture or break occurring

, which is more difficult to treat.

When a bone is broken into two or more pieces then it called?


A comminuted fracture

: a bone breaks into more than two pieces.

What is worse a fracture or a break?


There’s no difference between a fracture and a break

. A fracture is any loss of continuity of the bone. Anytime the bone loses integrity—whether it’s a hairline crack barely recognizable on an X-ray or the shattering of bone into a dozen pieces—it’s considered a fracture.

How are closed fractures treated?

Often closed wrist fractures can be treated

with a cast to hold the healing bones in proper position

. More severe wrist fractures may require surgery, even when the injury is closed. In these cases, pins, plates, and screws are commonly used for treatment.

What is the difference between a complete and incomplete fracture?

Incomplete or partial fracture – This is a

crack

that does not completely break the bone into two or more pieces. Complete fracture – This is a fracture in which the bone is completely broken into separate pieces.

What causes an incomplete fracture?

Hairline fractures are often caused by

overuse or repetitive actions

when microscopic damage is done to the bone over time. Not allowing yourself enough time to heal between activities is often a factor in the probability of getting this injury.

What is a Pott’s fracture?

Mechanism of Injury / Pathological Process

A Pott’s fracture is

a fracture affecting one or both of the malleoli

. During activities such as landing from a jump (volleyball, basketball) or when rolling an ankle, a certain amount of stress is placed on the tibia and fibula and the ankle joint.

What happens if a broken bone doesn’t heal properly?

When a bone fracture is untreated, it can result in either

a nonunion or a delayed union

. In the former case, the bone doesn’t heal at all, which means that it will remain broken. As a result, swelling, tenderness, and pain will continue to worsen over time.

How do you know a fracture is healing?

  1. What You Experience During Healing. The following steps are what you will go through as your broken bone is healing:
  2. Pain Decreases. …
  3. Range of Motion Increases. …
  4. Swelling Goes Down. …
  5. Bruising Subsides. …
  6. Orthopedic Clinic in Clinton Township, MI.

How long does it take for a bone fracture to heal?

How Long Does a Fracture Take to Heal? Most fractures heal in

6-8 weeks

, but this varies tremendously from bone to bone and in each person based on many of the factors discussed above. Hand and wrist fractures often heal in 4-6 weeks whereas a tibia fracture may take 20 weeks or more.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.