American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA) Orthopedic Practice Test

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What is the term for a fracture in which the bone is splintered into several pieces?

Impacted
Simple
Comminuted
Transverse

The correct answer is: Comminuted

A fracture characterized by the bone being splintered into multiple pieces is known as a comminuted fracture. This type of fracture occurs when significant force is applied to the bone, resulting in it breaking into three or more fragments. Comminuted fractures often require careful surgical intervention to realign and stabilize the fragments, as the shattered pieces can complicate the healing process. In contrast, the other terms refer to different types of fractures: an impacted fracture occurs when one fragment of bone is driven into another; a simple fracture, also known as a closed fracture, involves a clean break without any puncture of the skin; and a transverse fracture features a horizontal break across the bone. Understanding the distinctions between these types of fractures is crucial for diagnosing and determining the appropriate treatment approach in orthopedic practice.