Green Stick Fractures

Structure of the break:  As the name suggests, the structure of the fracture resembles a young/green stick breaking. The bone bends and partially breaks.

Diagnosis: The way in which the injury occurs should be taken in to account. X-rays are usually sufficient to diagnose this type of fracture. The age of the patient often gives a clue that the fracture is likely to be a Green Stick fracture, as younger patients' bones are less developed and will bend before breaking, resulting in this form of fracture.

Cause:  Green Stick fractures can be caused by a range of different incidents that would usually cause a specific type of fracture in an adult. The most common cause of the fracture is impact.

Treatment:  The fracture is normally treated through immobilisation, using a plaster cast. However, some Green Stick fractures in children may be treated with a removable splint, which would allow a small degree of movement.

Fig.1

 (Hover over for description)

 Types of Fractures: Transverse / Oblique / Spiral / Logitudinal / Green Stick / Comminuted / Torus/Buckle / Impacted / Hairline / Compression/Crush / Avulsion

Fig.1 – Courtesy of Magnus Manske, Wikipedia