Which fracture pattern is characterized by the fracture line running obliquely across the bone shaft at an angle of approximately 45 degrees to the long axis?

Question

Accepted Answer

B. Oblique fracture. ## Fracture Classification by Line Direction

**Key Point:** An oblique fracture has the fracture line running at an angle (typically 45°) across the bone shaft, neither perpendicular nor helical to the long axis.

### Mechanism and Biomechanics
Oblique fractures result from combined shear and axial forces applied to the bone. The 45° angle represents the plane of maximum shear stress in the bone under combined loading conditions.

### Comparison of Fracture Patterns by Line Direction

| Fracture Type | Angle to Long Axis | Mechanism | Stability | Example |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Transverse | 90° (perpendicular) | Direct blow; bending force | Unstable | Femoral shaft from direct trauma |
| Oblique | 45° (angled) | Shear + axial force | Moderately unstable | Tibia from twisting with compression |
| Spiral | Helical around shaft | Torsional (rotational) force | Unstable; soft tissue damage | Fibula from twisting injury |
| Greenstick | Incomplete; one cortex intact | Bending in children | Stable | Pediatric radius fracture |

**High-Yield:** Oblique fractures have:
- Greater surface area at the fracture site (better for healing)
- Tendency to shorten and angulate
- Moderate instability requiring fixation
- Better healing potential than transverse fractures due to increased contact area

**Clinical Pearl:** Oblique fractures of long bones are prone to shortening during healing and may require operative fixation (plates, intramedullary nails) to maintain length and alignment, especially in the femur and tibia.

**Mnemonic:** **OBL** — **OBL**ique = **45°** angle (remember: neither straight across nor spiraling).

![Fracture Classification — Types and Patterns diagram](https://mmcphlazjonnzmdysowq.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/blog-images/explanation/3222.webp)

Answer

A. Spiral fracture

Answer

C. Greenstick fracture

Answer

D. Transverse fracture

Which fracture pattern is characterized by the fracture line running obliquely across the bone shaft at an angle of approximately 45 degrees to the long axis?

Explanation

Fracture Classification by Line Direction

Mechanism and Biomechanics

Comparison of Fracture Patterns by Line Direction

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Fracture Type	Angle to Long Axis	Mechanism	Stability	Example
Transverse	90° (perpendicular)	Direct blow; bending force	Unstable	Femoral shaft from direct trauma
Oblique	45° (angled)	Shear + axial force	Moderately unstable	Tibia from twisting with compression
Spiral	Helical around shaft	Torsional (rotational) force	Unstable; soft tissue damage	Fibula from twisting injury
Greenstick	Incomplete; one cortex intact	Bending in children	Stable	Pediatric radius fracture