American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA) Orthopedic Practice Test

Which type of fracture is often seen in children and involves partial cortical disruption?

1. Simple fracture

2. Greenstick fracture

3. Spiral fracture

4. Comminuted fracture

The correct answer is: Greenstick fracture

The greenstick fracture is a type of incomplete fracture commonly observed in children, characterized by a partial disruption of the cortical bone, resembling a green twig that bends and partially breaks but does not completely fracture through. In children, whose bones are more flexible than those of adults, this type of fracture occurs due to the stress placed on the bone during various activities or impacts. The outer cortex of the bone may be disrupted to some extent while the inner cortex remains intact, which is distinct from other fracture types where a complete break usually occurs. This growing adaptability in children's bones makes the greenstick fracture a pertinent concern for pediatric orthopedic considerations.