Which fracture type occurs when the bone ends are driven into one another, often after a fall?

• A. Transverse
• B. Impacted
• C. Spiral
• D. Comminuted

Answer: (B)

This question focuses on recognizing an impacted fracture, which happens when a force compresses the bone along its axis and drives the ends into each other. That axial compression from a fall often causes the distal and proximal ends to jam together, so you may see little gap and the bone remains somewhat aligned.

Transverse fractures occur when a break runs straight across the bone from a bending force. Spiral fractures result from a twisting force that wraps around the bone. Comminuted fractures involve the bone breaking into several pieces. The clue here is the ends being driven into one another, which is the classic description of an impacted fracture.