The spelling of "impacted fracture" can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription. The word "impacted" is pronounced as /ɪmpæk.tɪd/, with the stress on the second syllable. The "t" in "impacted" is pronounced as an unaspirated "t" because it follows the voiceless consonant "k". The word "fracture" is pronounced as /ˈfræk.tʃər/, with the stress on the first syllable. The "c" in "fracture" is pronounced as the voiceless affricate /tʃ/. Together, "impacted fracture" refers to a bone break where the ends are pushed into each other.
An impacted fracture is a type of bone fracture characterized by the compression and jamming of broken bone ends into each other. This occurs when a force is applied to a bone in such a way that it results in the bones being driven into one another, causing them to become wedged or crushed together. This can often happen when a person falls from a significant height or experiences a powerful trauma, such as in a car accident or sports injury.
Typically, an impacted fracture occurs in long bones like the femur or humerus. In this type of fracture, the broken ends of the bone are driven firmly into one another, creating a stable and compressed fracture site. The compacting of the bone ends provides natural stability, minimizing bone displacement and reducing the risk of further injury or complications.
Symptoms of an impacted fracture may include severe pain and tenderness at the site of the fracture, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving or using the affected limb. Diagnosis is usually made through physical examination, medical history assessment, and imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans.
Treatment for impacted fractures often involves realignment of the fractured bones through closed reduction, which is a non-surgical technique that manipulates the fragments back into their proper anatomical alignment. Immobilization through the use of casts, splints, or braces may be necessary to promote healing and prevent further damage. In some cases, surgical intervention may be required to correct severe or complicated impacted fractures. Rehabilitation and physical therapy are commonly prescribed to restore strength, mobility, and functionality to the affected area.
One in which one of the fragments is driven into the cancellar tissue of the other fragment.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "impacted fracture" is composed of two parts: "impacted" and "fracture".
The word "impacted" originates from the Latin word "impactus", which is the past participle of the verb "impingere". "Impingere" is a combination of the prefix "in-" (meaning "in" or "against") and "pingere" (meaning "to drive" or "to thrust"). In this context, "impacted" refers to a forceful compression or thrusting together of two or more fractured bone pieces.
On the other hand, the word "fracture" is derived from the Latin word "fractura", which is the noun form of the verb "frangere" (meaning "to break"). Thus, a "fracture" refers to the act of breaking or the state of being broken.