NURS 301 Chapter 37: Types of
Fractures
Closed fracture
A fracture in which bone fragments separate completely, are not displaced, and
remain beneath overlying tissue. It is also called a complete fracture.
Closed fracture
Incomplete fracture
A fracture in which the bone fragments are still partially joined.
Open fracture
A fracture of bone that protrudes to the outside of the body, also called compound
fracture.
Open fracture
Compression fracture
A fracture that consists of the crushing of cancellous bone.
Compression fracture
Transverse fracture
A fracture where parts of the bone are separated but close to each other.
Transverse fracture
Comminuted fracture
Fractures
Closed fracture
A fracture in which bone fragments separate completely, are not displaced, and
remain beneath overlying tissue. It is also called a complete fracture.
Closed fracture
Incomplete fracture
A fracture in which the bone fragments are still partially joined.
Open fracture
A fracture of bone that protrudes to the outside of the body, also called compound
fracture.
Open fracture
Compression fracture
A fracture that consists of the crushing of cancellous bone.
Compression fracture
Transverse fracture
A fracture where parts of the bone are separated but close to each other.
Transverse fracture
Comminuted fracture