Orthopedic Trauma Glossary

The mechanism by which mechanical forces are transmitted from bone to implant or between bone segments.

The anatomical line through a bone along which mechanical forces are transmitted during weight-bearing activities.

An implant that bears part of the mechanical load alongside the bone during healing.

A fixation device that combines conventional compression plating with locked screw technology for enhanced stability.

Fracture healing in an anatomically incorrect position resulting in deformity or functional impairment.

Abnormal alignment of the weight-bearing axis of the lower extremity from the normal hip-to-ankle line.

Fracture fragmentation occurring in the metaphyseal region of long bones, between the shaft and joint surface.

Small avulsion fracture at the metaphyseal corner, often associated with non-accidental trauma in infants.

A sharp fragment of bone extending from the metaphyseal region, often seen in comminuted fractures.

Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis: surgical technique using small incisions to minimize soft tissue damage.

Closed degloving injury causing separation of subcutaneous tissue from underlying fascia with fluid collection.

Failure of bone fracture to heal within the expected timeframe despite adequate treatment.

Surgical procedure involving open exposure of a fracture site followed by placement of hardware to maintain bone alignme...

Open Reduction and Internal Fixation: surgical treatment involving exposure of the fracture and stabilization with impla...

Surgical fixation of bone fractures using internal devices to promote healing.

Orthopaedic Trauma Association - the organization that developed the comprehensive alphanumeric fracture classification...

Fracture occurring through abnormal or diseased bone with minimal or no trauma.

A minimally invasive fixation technique using pins or wires inserted through the skin without open surgical exposure.

Fracture occurring near but not necessarily involving a joint surface.

Surgical removal or traumatic loss of the periosteum, the tissue layer that provides blood supply to underlying bone.

Normal developmental knee alignment variation in children, typically resolving by age 6-8 years.

A high-energy fracture of the distal tibia involving the weight-bearing articular surface of the ankle.

The process of shaping an orthopedic plate to match the anatomical contours of the bone.

The surgical fixation of fractures using metal plates and screws to restore bone continuity and stability.