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• Pathologic Fracture: Occurring due to underlying bone disease (e.g., osteoporosis,
tumors, or metabolic bone disorders), weakening the bone and making it more susceptible
to fractures.
• Stress Fracture: Caused by repetitive mechanical stress over time, commonly seen in
athletes and military recruits.
• Insufficiency Fracture: A specific type of stress fracture occurring in weakened bone
due to osteoporosis, radiation therapy, or metabolic bone diseases.

Special Types of Fractures

Fractures can occur in various parts of the body, and certain types are unique to specific
anatomical locations. Below is a breakdown of special fractures categorized by upper and lower
extremities.

Upper Extremity Fractures

• Monteggia Fracture: A fracture of the proximal third of the ulna with an associated
dislocation of the radial head. Requires prompt orthopedic intervention.
• Galeazzi Fracture: A fracture of the distal radius with a dislocation of the distal
radioulnar joint. Typically requires surgical fixation.
• Bennett’s Fracture: An intra-articular fracture of the base of the first metacarpal
(thumb), often resulting from a forceful axial load.
• Rolando’s Fracture: A comminuted intra-articular fracture at the base of the first
metacarpal, often requiring surgical intervention.
• Boxer’s Fracture: A fracture of the fifth metacarpal, usually caused by a direct blow to
the hand, commonly seen in punching injuries.
• Scaphoid Fracture: A fracture of the scaphoid bone in the wrist, prone to nonunion due
to limited blood supply.
• Chauffeur’s Fracture: A fracture of the radial styloid, often caused by direct impact to
the wrist or forced dorsiflexion.

Lower Extremity Fractures

• Femoral Shaft Fracture: A high-energy injury that requires surgical fixation using an
intramedullary nail or plate and screws.
• Hip Fracture (Femoral Neck Fracture): Common in elderly patients due to
osteoporosis; often requires surgical intervention with a hip replacement or fixation.
• Intertrochanteric Fracture: A fracture occurring between the greater and lesser
trochanters of the femur, commonly treated with a dynamic hip screw or intramedullary
nail.
• Tibial Plateau Fracture: A fracture affecting the proximal tibia, often caused by high-
energy trauma or falls. It requires careful assessment due to the risk of joint surface
involvement.
• Patellar Fracture: A fracture of the kneecap, typically resulting from a direct blow or
forceful quadriceps contraction.