Linear fracture is a type of bone fracture that refers to a straight and continuous breakage of the bone. The word "linear" is pronounced as /ˈlɪniər/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first sound, /l/, is an unvoiced alveolar lateral approximant. The second sound, /ɪ/, is a short vowel sound pronounced with the tongue near the roof of the mouth. The third sound, /niər/, is a diphthong with the first sound being a voiced alveolar nasal and the second sound being a schwa. Together, these sounds create the word "linear" that refers to a straight, continuous fracture of the bone.
Linear fracture is a term used in the field of medicine and anatomy to describe a specific type of bone fracture. It refers to a break or crack in a bone that follows a straight or nearly straight line. This type of fracture is distinguished by the fact that the broken ends of the bone remain in close proximity to each other and do not shift significantly out of alignment.
Linear fractures can occur in any bone of the body, but they are commonly observed in long bones, such as the femur or tibia, where they are often the result of direct trauma, such as a fall or a blow to the bone. They can also occur due to repetitive stress or overuse injuries, particularly in weight-bearing bones like the metatarsals.
Upon examination, linear fractures are typically identified through imaging techniques, such as X-rays or CT scans, which can reveal the clear, uninterrupted line of the fracture. The treatment for linear fractures depends on several factors, including the severity of the fracture, the affected bone, and the overall health of the patient. In some cases, non-surgical methods such as casting or splinting may be sufficient for proper healing, while in more severe cases, surgery may be required to realign the fractured bone fragments and stabilize them with the use of hardware (e.g., plates, screws).
Overall, linear fractures are a common type of bone injury that require appropriate medical attention and intervention to ensure proper healing and prevent any potential complications.
A fracture running parallel with the long axis of the bone.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "linear fracture" is derived from the combination of two words: "linear" and "fracture".
- "Linear" originates from the Latin word "linearis", which means "consisting of lines" or "belonging to a line". It is related to the Latin noun "linea", meaning "line". In English, "linear" refers to something relating to, or resembling, a line or lines.
- "Fracture" comes from the Latin verb "frangere", which means "to break" or "to shatter". The noun form "fractura" means "a breaking" or "a fracture". In English, a fracture is a break in a bone or other hard material.
Therefore, the term "linear fracture" refers to a fracture that occurs in a straight line or follows a linear path.