greenstick fracture

[ green-stik ]

noun

1. an incomplete fracture of a long bone, in which one side is broken and the other side is still intact.

greenstick fracture

/ ˈɡriːnˌstɪk /

noun

1. a fracture in children in which the bone is partly bent and splinters only on the convex side of the bend

Word History and Origins

Origin of greenstick fracture¹

First recorded in 1880–85; green + stick ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of greenstick fracture¹

C20: alluding to the similar way in which a green stick splinters

Example Sentences

The clavicle or humerus may sustain greenstick fracture from the child being lifted by the arms; the femur, by a fall.

From Project Gutenberg

The clavicle and the bones of the forearm are those most frequently the seat of greenstick fracture (Fig. 41).

From Project Gutenberg

There may be an angular displacement—for example, in greenstick fracture.

From Project Gutenberg

In either case, the bending may be increased by the traction of muscles, and sometimes by the occurrence of greenstick fracture.

From Project Gutenberg