Dictionary

fragile site A point on a chromosome where gaps and breaks tend to occur, which can be passed on from one generation to another.

fracture, Y A fracture with a Y-like shape that occurs at the end of a bone.

fracture, transverse A fracture in which the break is across a bone, at a right angle to the long axis of the bone.

fracture, torus A fracture in which one side of a bone bends but does not actually break. Torus fractures normally heal on their own within a month, with rest and disuse. Also known as incomplete fracture or buckle fracture.

fracture, torsion A fracture in which a bone has been twisted apart. Also called a spiral fracture. See also fracture, toddler’s.

fracture, toddler’s A torsion fracture of the tibia that occurs without bone displacement. This fracture is called toddler’s fracture because it occurs in infants who are early on in their walking, causing a stress breakage of bone in the large bone of the leg below the knee.

fracture, stress A fracture caused by repetitive stress, as may occur in sports, strenuous exercise, or heavy physical labor. Stress fractures are especially common in the metatarsal bones of the foot, particularly in runners. Osteoporosis increases the possibility of stress fractures. Treatment includes rest, disuse, and sometimes splinting or casting to prevent reinjury during healing.

fracture, spiral See fracture, torsion.

fracture, Salter-Harris A traumatic fracture of the physeal and/or epiphyseal growth plate. SalterHarris fractures occur in the extremities of children at the point where new bone is being formed as the bones grow.

fracture, open See fracture, compound.

fracture, greenstick A fracture in which one side of a bone is broken and the other is bent (like a green stick).

fracture, compression A fracture caused by compression, the act of pressing together. Compression fractures of the vertebrae are especially common in elderly people.