American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA) Orthopedic Practice Test

What happens during a spiral fracture?

1. The bone shatters into many pieces

2. The break coils around the bone

3. The bone is broken cleanly in two

4. The fracture is easily reducible

The correct answer is: The break coils around the bone

A spiral fracture is characterized by a specific mechanism of injury where the bone breaks in a helical or spiral pattern. This type of fracture typically occurs when a twisting force is applied to the bone, often seen in sports injuries or accidents where limbs are twisted. The spiral shape of the fracture can be visualized as a corkscrew, with the fracture line following the shape of the bone in a coiling manner. This is distinct from other types of fractures where the break may result from direct force, bending, or crushing forces. In the context of the other options, a spiral fracture does not result in the bone shattering into many pieces, which describes a comminuted fracture. It also does not characterize a simple fracture where the bone is broken cleanly in two, nor is it typically defined as easily reducible, as the unique nature of the spiral pattern can complicate realignment and healing. Thus, the description of the break coiling around the bone accurately captures the essence of a spiral fracture.