1. As to their degree.
2. As to the direction of the line of fracture.
3. As to their location.
4. As to the etiology.
5. As to their relation to the overlying skin.
6. As to the number of fragments.
7. As to whether they are complicated or not.
Degree of Fracture. A fracture which only involves a portion of the thickness of the bones, so that its continuity has not been entirely lost or a fragment has not been completely detached, is called an incomplete fracture. A fracture which involves the entire thickness of the bone, so that it is divided into two or more distinct fragments, is called a complete fracture.
INCOMPLETE FRACTURES
Among the varieties of incomplete fracture are: greenstick; fissured; depressed.