What is a comminuted break?
A comminuted (kah-muh-NOOT-ed) fracture is a type of broken bone. The bone is broken into more than two pieces.
What is a comminuted displaced fracture?
Displaced and non-displaced fractures refer to the alignment of the fractured bone. In a displaced fracture, the bone snaps into two or more parts and moves so that the two ends are not lined up straight. If the bone is in many pieces, it is called a comminuted fracture.
What is the difference between comminuted and segmental fracture?
Segmental fractures present two fracture lines, both being complete, within the same anatomic location. Comminuted fractures involve multiple fracture lines in the same anatomic location resulting in numerous fragments of bone.
What are the characteristics of comminuted fracture?
A comminuted fracture is a break or splinter of the bone into more than two fragments. Since considerable force and energy is required to fragment bone, fractures of this degree occur after high-impact trauma such as in vehicular accidents.
How is a comminuted fracture treated?
Treatment for Comminuted Fractures
- Surgery. You might need to have surgery if you have a comminuted fracture.
- Medication. You may need pain medicine to feel better.
- Splint/cast. After surgery, you’ll usually get a splint or cast to keep your injured area in place, so that you can’t move it.
- Traction.
How is a comminuted fracture diagnosed?
A comminuted fracture is usually diagnosed through an x-ray, which can help the doctor locate the specific location of the breaks. The x-ray will also allow the doctor to examine the severity of the injury and make the proper plans for treatment.
Do comminuted fractures include segmental fractures?
Segmental fractures happen when your bone is broken in two different places and a section of your bone has separated from the rest of it because of the fracture. Comminuted fractures mean your bone is broken in three or more places. This means some segmental fractures can be comminuted, and some are not.
What is the most common cause of a comminuted fracture?
Comminuted fractures are caused by trauma. Some of the most common causes are car accidents and falls from a great height, like off a ladder or roof. Any impact to your bones can cause a comminuted fracture.
What is an example of a comminuted fracture?
If your skin breaks open from the wound, doctors call it a comminuted open or compound fracture. If your skin doesn’t break, you have a comminuted closed or simple fracture. Comminuted fractures usually happen after very forceful events, like a severe fall or car accident.