What type of fracture is caused by a twisting type of injury?

A spiral fracture occurs when a twisting force is applied to a bone, which results in a distinct helical shape along the fracture line. This type of fracture is typically associated with sports injuries, falls, or accidents where the limb is twisted while the bone remains stationary or is subjected to a sudden rotational movement.

The characteristics of a spiral fracture make it clinically significant, as it may indicate the mechanism of injury and sometimes the possibility of underlying conditions, such as abuse in pediatric cases. In contrast, the other types of fractures presented do not typically result from twisting forces. Transverse fractures are usually caused by direct impacts, compression fractures occur due to axial loading, and greenstick fractures are partial fractures common in children that result from bending forces. Understanding these distinctions helps in diagnosing the type of injury and determining the appropriate management and treatment strategies.