Enlisted Expeditionary Warfare Specialist (EXW) Practice Test

What are the two types of fractures?

1. Stress and Open

2. Simple and Compound

3. Stress and Compound

4. Simple and Stress

The correct answer is: Simple and Compound

The two primary types of fractures are classified as simple and compound. A simple fracture, also known as a closed fracture, is one in which the bone breaks but does not pierce the skin. This type typically results in less risk of infection since the fracture site remains contained within the body. On the other hand, a compound fracture, or open fracture, occurs when the bone breaks and projects through the skin, creating a risk for infection and complicating the healing process. This distinction is crucial for treatment approaches, as compound fractures often require surgical intervention to properly clean the wound and realign the bone. While stress fractures are a legitimate type of bone injury characterized by a hairline crack often due to repetitive forces, they are not classified alongside simple or compound fractures. Thus, the recognition of simple and compound fractures as the two main categories underlines their significance in clinical settings. Understanding these types can improve diagnosis and treatment strategies in orthopedic medicine.