American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA) Orthopedic Practice Test

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Prepare for the ABSA Orthopedic Test. Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice questions with detailed hints and explanations. Boost your exam readiness!

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Which type of fracture involves one broken bone wedging into another?

Comminuted
Greenstick
Impacted
Transverse

The correct answer is: Impacted

An impacted fracture occurs when one broken bone fragment is driven into another, which typically happens as a result of a significant force during an impact or fall. This type of fracture is characterized by the ends of the broken bones being compressed and interlocked, which can often lead to stability at the fracture site, although it may complicate treatment due to the positioning of the bones. In contrast, a comminuted fracture is defined by the bone being shattered into several pieces, making the fracture management more complicated, while a greenstick fracture is an incomplete fracture commonly seen in children where the bone bends and partially breaks on one side. A transverse fracture involves a horizontal break across the bone but does not feature the wedging aspect characteristic of impacts. Understanding these distinctions is crucial in both identifying fractures and determining appropriate treatment strategies.