This document discusses three common types of bone fractures: Colles' fractures, buckle/greenstick fractures, and spiral fractures. Colles' fractures occur at the distal end of the radius, often from falls onto outstretched hands. Buckle/greenstick fractures mostly affect children before bones are fully formed. Spiral fractures result from twisting forces on the bone. Treatment depends on the severity but may include immobilization, casting, or surgery.

1. Three types of common fractures
examined
Zack Friedman

2.  A common type of wrist fracture named after
the Irish surgeon Abraham Colles.
 The term is classically used to describe a
fracture at the distal end of the radius.
However, now the term tends to be used
loosely to describe any fracture of the distal
radius, with or without involvement of the
ulna, that has dorsal displacement of the
fracture fragments

3.  Most often caused by breaking one’s fall
with outstretched arms.
 Common injury among the elderly
population and those who participate in
sports with high impact falls such as
snowboarding, biking and skateboarding.

4.  Immobilization by splint or cast
 Open or closed reduction
 Course of treatment depends on the severity
of the injury which is determined by the
degree of immobility

5.  Also known as a Buckle or Torus Fracture
 Named greenstick due to its resemblance to a
broken stick of fresh wood
 Mostly occurs during infancy and
childhood, before the bones have fully calcified
 The bone remains intact, making visual
diagnosis more difficult

6.  …strong bending forces
 Often seen after a fall
 Immature formation of the bone
Treated
By…
Immobilization-
Splinting in torus fractures of the distal radius
Casting in buckle fractures either above or below elbow

7.  AKA torsion fracture
 Named due the fracture line “spiraling” down
the shaft of the bone
 Often slower to heal than other types of
fractures

8.  …tension being exerted to one end of the bone
while compression is being applied to the other
end.
 Classically seen in skiing accidents due to the foot
being locked into the ski. When the skier falls the
leg can be violently twisted.
Treated by…
Casting alone or pins being inserted if the break
is more severe