American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA) Orthopedic Practice Test

What type of fractures are typically referred to as 'comminuted'?

1. Fractures with multiple pieces

2. Greenstick fractures

3. Simple fractures

4. Compound fractures

The correct answer is: Fractures with multiple pieces

Comminuted fractures are defined as fractures in which the bone is broken into several pieces or fragments. This type of fracture often results from high-energy trauma and is characterized by the presence of at least three distinct bone fragments at the fracture site. The complexity of a comminuted fracture can complicate treatment and recovery, as surgical intervention may be required to stabilize the bone fragments and promote healing. In contrast, greenstick fractures are incomplete fractures that typically occur in children, where the bone bends and partially breaks but does not completely separate. Simple fractures, also known as closed fractures, refer to fractures that do not break through the skin and appear as a single fracture line. Compound fractures, or open fractures, occur when the fracture creates an open wound, allowing for a direct pathway from the bone to the skin surface. Each of these types differs significantly from a comminuted fracture in both structure and implications for treatment.