Double fracture is a medical condition that occurs when a bone breaks in two places. In IPA phonetic transcription, "double fracture" is pronounced as /ˈdʌbəl ˈfræk.tʃər/. The word "double" is pronounced with the vowel sound "ʌ" in the first syllable, and the "b" is pronounced with a slight aspiration. The word "fracture" is pronounced with a stressed "a" in the second syllable and the "t" is pronounced as a "tʃ" sound due to the following letter "u". This condition can be serious and requires prompt medical attention to heal properly.
Double fracture refers to the occurrence of two separate bone fractures in close proximity or within the same bone. Fractures are breaks or cracks in the continuity of a bone, which can result from accidents, trauma, or underlying medical conditions. A double fracture involves the simultaneous occurrence of two fractures and may present similarly to a single fracture, but is more severe due to the presence of multiple fractures.
Double fractures can be categorized into several types, such as transverse, oblique, or comminuted fractures, depending on the pattern and orientation of the breaks. The severity of a double fracture can vary depending on factors like the location of the fractures, the extent of displacement or misalignment, and associated injuries or complications.
Common signs and symptoms of a double fracture may include intense pain, swelling, deformity, bruising, and difficulty moving or bearing weight on the affected bone. Prompt medical attention is crucial in order to accurately diagnose and treat a double fracture. Treatment options may include realigning and immobilizing the fractured bones with the use of casts, splints, or traction devices, and in some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to stabilize the fractures with plates, screws, or rods. Rehabilitation and physical therapy may also be prescribed to aid in the recovery and restoration of normal bone function.
The occurrence of two fractures in different bones at the same time, or in two parts of the same bone.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "double" originates from the Old French word "double" meaning "twofold" or "doubled". It can be traced back to the Latin word "duplus" meaning "double" or "twofold".
The word "fracture" comes from the Latin word "fractura", which means "a break" or "a fragment". It is derived from the verb "frangere", which means "to break" or "to shatter".
Therefore, the term "double fracture" is rooted in the combination of the Old French and Latin origins of the words "double" and "fracture". It refers to a condition where a bone or another rigid material breaks in two places, causing two separate fractures.