What characterizes a greenstick fracture?

• A. A shattered bone
• B. Bone that is sticking out of the skin
• C. Bone that is broken on one side
• D. Bone that has a complete break

Answer: (C)

A greenstick fracture is characterized by a partial fracture of the bone, where the bone is broken on one side but remains intact on the opposite side. This type of fracture often occurs in children, whose bones are softer and more flexible than those of adults. The name "greenstick" is derived from the analogy of a young, green tree branch that bends and splinters on one side without breaking completely.

In contrast, other types of fractures like shattered bones or complete breaks involve a more significant compromise to the bone structure, either through multiple fragments or a full break through the bone. Additionally, the indication of a bone protruding through the skin describes an open or compound fracture, not a greenstick fracture. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment in pediatric cases and helps emphasize the unique nature of greenstick fractures among other types of bone injuries.