Fracture Patterns
Feb 02, 2026
Fractures walk into theatre long before the patient does. The x ray, the booking, the implant tray all hint at the story of how the bone has failed. For scrub and scout nurses, recognising fracture patterns helps make sense of why certain sets, positioning, and implants are needed, and why plans sometimes change once the skin is open.
Bone breaks in predictable ways when force is applied. The direction, speed, and energy of that force shape the fracture pattern. A simple twist often creates a spiral fracture, while a direct blow may lead to a transverse break. Higher energy trauma can shatter bone into multiple fragments, changing both fixation choices and intraoperative priorities.
Key fracture patterns you will commonly encounter include:
🦴 Transverse fractures caused by a straight bending force, often stable but needing precise alignment
🦴 Oblique and spiral fractures linked to twisting forces, with a higher risk of shortening or rotation
🦴 Comminuted fractures where the bone breaks into several pieces, usually from high energy trauma
🦴 Avulsion fractures where a tendon or ligament pulls a fragment of bone away
In theatre, these patterns guide preparation. A simple fracture may only require basic plating or screws, while a comminuted injury often calls for multiple implant options, image intensifier time, and flexibility with reduction techniques.
Understanding fracture patterns supports anticipation. It helps scrub nurses select appropriate implants early and scout nurses plan for longer cases, extra imaging, or potential changes in fixation strategy.
A clear grasp of how bones break strengthens teamwork and keeps the focus where it belongs, on safe, smooth care for the patient on the table.
References
Australian Orthopaedic Association. (n.d.). Bone fractures. Australian Orthopaedic Association.
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