fracture (frakt'ur)

A solution of continuity of one or more bones. A fracture is termed transverse, longitudinal, or oblique, according to the direction of the break to the long axis of the bone, comminuted f. A f. in which the bone is broken into several pieces, complete f. A f. in which the entire thickne of a long bone has been divided, complicated f. When some other injury is added to the f., as rupture of an artery or dislocation of a joint compound f. A fracture accompanied with laceration of the skin, depre ed f. One in which a portion of the outer layer of a flat bone or the spongy portion of a long bone is driven inward by direct violence, impacted f. When two main fragments of a f. are held firmly together in their new relation, incomplete f. When the continuity of the bone has not been completely lost or a fragment has not been completely detached. This form of f. varies from: (a) fi ured, in which there is a crack in the bone, to (b) greenstick, in which only a portion of the thickne of a long bone is involved with bending of the bone at the seat of fracture, intra articular f. A f. in which the main line of fracture or a subsidiary one extends into a joint, multiple f. This variety comprises f's of two or more adjacent bones or two or more f's of the same bone, cular spontaneous action and not to f. external One due violence. to mus- [Lat., fractur a, from franger e, to break.]