What characterizes a greenstick fracture?

A greenstick fracture is characterized as an incomplete fracture, most commonly seen in children and adolescents. In this type of fracture, the bone bends and cracks on one side while the other side remains intact, similar to how a green twig breaks. This is indicative of the pliability of younger bones, which have not fully hardened or ossified yet, making them more susceptible to this type of injury.

The conditions of the other options do not apply to greenstick fractures. A complete fracture divides the bone entirely, which is not the case here. Adult bones generally do not present greenstick fractures due to their increased rigidity, and such fractures typically do not require surgical intervention unless there are complications or worsening conditions. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment in sports medicine.