A butterfly fracture is a specific type of comminuted bone fracture characterized by a central, wedge-shaped fragment that is separated from the main bone shaft. This wedge or triangular fragment is created by two oblique fracture lines that meet, creating a fragment with concave sides.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
- Comminuted Fracture: This means the bone is broken into three or more pieces.
- Wedge-shaped Fragment: The distinct characteristic is the presence of a triangular or butterfly-shaped bone fragment.
- Oblique Fracture Lines: The fractures that create this fragment are diagonal to the long axis of the bone.
- Mechanism of Injury: Butterfly fractures typically result from direct trauma or high-energy impacts, such as those sustained in car accidents or falls from significant heights. The force causes the bone to bend, creating tension on one side (leading to the fracture lines) and compression on the other (leading to the wedge fragment).
Here's a simplified visual:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Fracture Type | Comminuted |
| Key Characteristic | Wedge-shaped (butterfly-shaped) fragment |
| Fracture Lines | Two oblique fracture lines converging |
| Common Causes | High-energy trauma (e.g., car accidents, falls) |
Butterfly fractures are often associated with significant soft tissue damage due to the high energy involved in causing the injury. Treatment typically involves surgical intervention to stabilize the bone and promote healing.
