Location of Fracture

Fracture Classification

Fracture / Injury Severity

Fragmentation

Fracture Surface

Diagram

Loading Mechanism

Displaced or Undisplaced

Open or Closed

Equivalent AIS

Diaphysis

(Away from joint ends and normal load bearing surfaces)

Non Comminuted

(Single fracture Surface)

Transverse

Direct Load perpendicular to long axis

Both

Rarely open

2/3

Longitudinal

Indirect compressive load

Rarely unless reaches the outer surface

Rarely open

2/3

Spiral

Indirect torsional load

Rarely displaced

Rarely open

2/3

Oblique

Combined indirect axial and torsional loading

Usually displaced

Both

2/3

Avulsion

Fracture

Indirect axial Load on ligament / tendon

Usually small displacement

Always closed

Comminuted

(Multiple fracture surfaces)

Butterfly fracture

Medium - High energy direct compression loading

Both

Both

2/3

Segmental fracture

(Transverse and Oblique)

Medium - High energy direct lateral load

Both

Both

2/3

Epiphysis

(At or immediately behind the joint ends and normal load bearing surfaces)

Non comminuted and Comminuted

Transverse

(Epiphyseal fracture)

Relative lateral load across a joint

Probably associated with small displacements

Rarely open

Longitudinal

(Pylon Fracture in tibia)

Med – High energy indirect compressive load

Probably associated with small displacements

Rarely open