What type of fracture occurs when there is a break in the bone cortex on one side, especially in children?

• A. Greenstick
• B. Simple
• C. Compound
• D. Comminuted

Answer: (A)

A greenstick fracture is characterized by a break in the bone cortex on only one side, resembling the way a green twig breaks. This type of fracture is particularly common in children due to their softer, more flexible bones. Children’s bones have a higher proportion of cartilage and lower mineral content compared to adult bones, which allows them to bend without breaking completely. In a greenstick fracture, the bone bends and then fractures on the convex side while the concave side remains intact, much like bending a stick that is not yet fully dried out. This is in contrast to the other types of fractures: simple fractures involve a complete break but not through the skin, compound fractures break through the skin, and comminuted fractures involve multiple fragments of bone.