Author: Glossary
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Hangman fracture
A bipedicular fracture of the second cervical vertebra, often with a concomitant dislocation of the vertebra. The term hangman’s fracture stems from properly performed judicial hangings. At the moment when the dropped victim fully extends the rope, the hangman’s knot causes fracture dislocation of the upper cervical spine and transection of the spinal cord or…
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Flexion-teardrop fracture
An unstable fracture of the cervical spine in which a small fragment of the anteroinferior corner of a vertebral body avulses from the rest of the vertebra as a result of massive flexion applied to the cervical spine. Patients with this fracture have sustained injuries to all the spinal ligaments and usually severe spinal cord…
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Fissured fracture
A narrow split in the bone that does not go through to the other side of the bone.
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Epiphyseal fracture
A separation of the epiphysis from the bone between the shaft of the bone and its growing end. It occurs only in skeletally immature patients. A fracture occurring at the junction where the epiphysis, or the end part of a long bone, connects with the diaphysis, which is the main body of the bone. This…
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Dislocation fraction
A fracture near a dislocated joint.
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Diastatic fracture
A fracture that follows a cranial suture and causes it to separate. A fracture at a site where force was applied.
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Curbstone fracture
An avulsion fracture of the posterior margin of the tibia, typically as a result of striking the dorsal surface of the foot on an unyielding surface, such as a concrete step or curb.
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Complete fracture
A fracture in which the bone is completely broken (i.e., neither fragment is connected to the other).
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Clay shoveler’s fracture
A fracture of the base of the spinous process of the lower cervical spine associated with sudden flexion of the neck. It may also be caused by direct trauma.
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Chauffeur’s fracture
A colloquial term for a fracture of the radial styloid with the carpal joint.