Fracture, compression

A fracture caused by compression, the act of pressing together.

Compression fractures of the vertebrae are especially common in the elderly.</P> NTER><IMG height=295 alt='Bone Fractures Illustrations - Compression fracture' src='http:ages.medicinenet.com/images/ABBONE.GIF' width=480> </CENTER> A fracture is a break in the bone or cartilage.

It usually is a result of trauma but can be due to an acquired disease of bone such as osteoporosis or abnormal formation of bone in a congenital disease of bone such as osteogenesis imperfecta ('brittle bone disease').

Fractures are classified by their character and location.

Examples of classification include 'compression fracture of the vertebrae,' 'transverse fracture of the humerus,' 'spiral fracture of the femur,' 'greenstick fracture of the radius,' 'impacted fracture of the humerus,' 'linear fracture of the ulna,' 'oblique fracture of the metatarsal,' and 'depressed fracture of the skull.' Note that a 'compression fracture' is distinct from a 'comminuted fracture' in which the bone is fragmented and from a 'compound fracture' in which the bone sticks openly through the skin.