What type of fracture is a compression fracture often categorized as?

A compression fracture is categorized as a burst fracture because it occurs when the bone collapses under pressure, typically leading to multiple fragments in more severe cases. This type of fracture often affects the vertebrae in the spine and is characterized by the bone being crushed or squeezed below its normal level.

In burst fractures, this collapse causes the bone to break into pieces, and the fracture can affect surrounding tissues and structures. This differentiates it from other types of fractures, such as complete fractures, which involve a bone being broken into two or more separate parts without the characteristic fragmentation of a burst fracture. An open fracture refers to one where the bone pierces through the skin, which is not a defining feature of a compression fracture. A greenstick fracture is an incomplete fracture typically occurring in children, where the bone bends but does not break fully, again not aligning with the characteristics of a compression fracture.

Understanding the specific nature and mechanism of a compression fracture helps clarify its classification as a burst fracture, especially in the context of spinal injuries and the potential complexity of the fracture pattern.