BUTTERFLY FRACTURE Meaning and
Definition
-
A butterfly fracture is a medical term used to describe a specific type of bone fracture that exhibits a unique appearance on X-ray images. It is characterized by a central, wedge-shaped fragment that resembles the shape of butterfly wings when viewed in two dimensions. The fracture occurs when a bone is subjected to a strong force along its long axis, resulting in an impact that pushes both ends of the bone towards each other while exerting an inward pressure on the central portion. This force causes the bone to split into a distinctive butterfly pattern.
Butterfly fractures most commonly occur in long bones, such as the tibia or femur, and are often associated with high-energy trauma, such as car accidents or falls from significant heights. The severity of these fractures can vary, and while some may present with minimal displacement, others may involve substantial fragmentation and displacement of bone fragments.
Due to the unique nature of butterfly fractures, they usually require immediate medical attention and appropriate management. Treatment typically involves a combination of realignment techniques, often called reduction, and immobilization using casting or external fixation devices. Surgical intervention may also be required for complicated fractures.
Early diagnosis and timely intervention are crucial to ensure proper healing and minimize functional impairment. Follow-up care, including physical therapy and close monitoring, is often necessary to aid in the restoration of normal function and mobility.
-
A comminuted fracture in which there are two doubly wedge-shaped lateral fragments split off, one from each of the main fragments.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for BUTTERFLY FRACTURE
- vutterfly fracture
- nutterfly fracture
- hutterfly fracture
- gutterfly fracture
- bytterfly fracture
- bhtterfly fracture
- bjtterfly fracture
- bitterfly fracture
- b8tterfly fracture
- b7tterfly fracture
- burterfly fracture
- bufterfly fracture
- bugterfly fracture
- buyterfly fracture
- bu6terfly fracture
- bu5terfly fracture
- butrerfly fracture
- butferfly fracture
- butgerfly fracture
- butyerfly fracture
Etymology of BUTTERFLY FRACTURE
The term "butterfly fracture" is derived from the shape of the bone fragments that resemble the wings of a butterfly when seen on an X-ray. The word "butterfly" refers to the pattern created by the fragments of the fractured bone, and "fracture" simply means a break or crack in the bone.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
