Oblique Fractures

 

Structure of the break:  This is an angled fracture across the width of the bone. The fracture can be both displaced and non-displaced.

 

Diagnosis:  The way the injury occurs should be taken in to account. X-rays are often used to diagnose this type of break, but a CT scan may prove more useful, due to the nature of the break.

 

Cause:  Oblique fractures are often caused by the trapping of one end of the bone and the twisting of the rest of the bone above or below the trapped point. An example of this would be the trapping of the foot and then the twisting of the leg, causing the fracture of one of more of the bones in the leg.

 

Treatment:  Possible need for surgery as well as the immobilisation of the fractured bone. Ligaments may also be damaged in with this type of fracture and need to be taken in to account in the treatment.

 

Illustration of an Oblique Fracture

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