Longitudinal Fractures

Structure of the break:  These fractures are usually quite long in length and travel along the axis of the bone they are in. As these fractures always follow the axis of the bone they are always non-displaced fractures. The fracture may divide in to two or more lines of fracture.

Diagnosis:  The way in which the injury occurs should be taken in to account. X-rays are usually a sufficient method for diagnosis of this type of fracture.

Cause:  Longitudinal fractures are most often caused by traumas that have a wide spread area of impact. As the impact is not acting on a precise point of the bone, the whole bone is likely to crack (causing a longitudinal fracture) rather than a specific point.

Treatment:  Surgery is rarely needed for this type of fracture. The damaged area is usually immobilised and allowed time to heal.

Types of Fractures: Transverse / Oblique / Spiral / Logitudinal / Green Stick / Comminuted / Torus/Buckle / Impacted / Hairline / Compression/Crush / Avulsion