Orthopaedics · Skeletal System · Easy
Greenstick
Meaning: Incomplete childhood fracture where the cortex breaks on the convex side while the other side bends.
In practice: Common under age 10 because juvenile bone is pliable; combined with buckling it forms a lead-pipe fracture.
Quick check
Two questions on related orthopaedics words.
Which word means: Cup-shaped socket on the lateral pelvis that articulates with the femoral head.
Answer: Acetabulum
Which word means: Ankle fracture involving the inner and outer ankle prominences plus the posterior lip of the distal tibia.
Answer: Trimalleolar
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