Which type of fracture indicates a bone is broken into pieces but not along a complete line?

A comminuted fracture is characterized by the bone being broken into multiple fragments or pieces, rather than through a single, clean break across the bone. This type of fracture often occurs as a result of high-impact trauma, causing the bone to shatter rather than simply crack. The multiple fragments can present challenges for healing and may require surgical intervention to stabilize the bone and restore function.

In contrast, a Colles fracture typically refers to a specific type of fracture of the distal radius in the wrist, often associated with a fall onto an outstretched hand. A hairline fracture, also known as a stress fracture, represents a thin crack in the bone that may not be easily visible on X-rays but indicates an incomplete fracture. An impacted fracture occurs when one fragment of bone is driven into another, leading to a different type of structural compromise. Understanding these distinctions is crucial in identifying the nature of different fractures and their respective treatment approaches.