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2001 |
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Question
What type of external loading produces a spiral fracture?
1 – Tension
2 – Torsion
3 – Bending
4 – Compression
5 – Shear
Figures
Answer (click for answer)
Correct Answer: 2- Torsion: This question goes back to basic fracture principles. Tension and bending tend to produce transverse fractures. Compression and shear often contribute to fracture comminution. Torsion generally causes a spiral fracture pattern.
Reference: I think most of us have the reference for this question (Buckwalter, Einhorn, Simon (eds) Orthopaedic Basic Science, ed 2 , American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2000). There is an excellent figure on page 376 which reviews nine common fracture patterns and their mechanisms of fracture.