People often think of a broken bone as a relatively simple and straightforward injury, but the reality is that different fractures can happen in many different ways. When a bone breaks in a straight line, it is often referred to as a transverse fracture or an oblique fracture, but this is not necessarily what happens in every case.
Some fractures can be more severe than others and can affect the type of healing that the injured party experiences. Below are a few examples that go beyond common transverse fractures.
A spiral fracture
With a spiral fracture, the bone twists as it breaks. This can make it very severe, and the break may happen at different levels on different sides of the bone.
A comminuted fracture
With a comminuted fracture, the bone shatters into multiple pieces. This can make recovery more difficult, and it is a very serious type of break.
Greenstick fractures
A greenstick fracture happens when the bone does not break completely across, as it does with a transverse fracture. Instead, the break may only extend halfway through the bone.
Compound fractures
One of the most serious types of break is known as a compound fracture. This means that not only has the bone itself broken, but a broken portion of that bone has been forced through the skin, creating an external injury. Surgery is often necessary.
Medical treatment and compensation
For any type of bone fracture, medical treatment is very important to achieve full recovery in the future. To help cover the costs of this medical care, it is important for injured parties to know if they deserve financial compensation.