fracture (frak-cher) n. breakage of a bone, either complete or incomplete. Treatment includes realignment of the bone ends and immobilization by external splints or internal fixation. cervical f. a fracture of a vertebra in the neck, with effects ranging from minor, requiring no treatment, to paralysis and instant death. Colles' f. a fracture of the distal (far) end of the radius, which is displaced backwards and upwards to produce a ‘dinner fork’ deformity. Avulsion of the ulnar styloid process usually takes place as well. comminuted f. a fracture in which the bone is broken into more than two pieces. greenstick f. an incomplete break in a bone occurring in children. impacted f. a fracture in which the bone ends are driven into each other. march f. a stress fracture in the distal section of the second or third metatarsal bone, associated with excessive walking. open f. a fracture in which the overlying skin is perforated and there is a wound extending to the fracture site. pathological f. fracture of a diseased or abnormal bone, usually resulting from a force insufficient to fracture a normal bone. Pott's f. a fracture of the lower end of the fibula accompanied by a fracture of the malleolus of the tibia. simple f. a clean break with little damage to surrounding tissues. Smith's f. a fracture just above the wrist, across the distal (far) end of the radius. The hand and wrist below the fracture are displaced forwards. stress f. a fracture occurring in a bone that has been subjected to excessive and repeated trauma resulting in cumulative microscopic fractures, as occurs in long-distance runners and others who undergo intensive training.