What is an oblique fracture?

An oblique fracture is characterized by a break that occurs at an angle to the long axis of the bone. This type of fracture typically happens when a bone is subjected to a twisting force while one end of the bone remains immobilized. The angle of the break is distinct from other fracture types, such as transverse fractures, which break straight across the bone. Understanding the mechanism of an oblique fracture is essential in sports medicine, as it often results from specific injury patterns seen in sports or physical activities where an axial force is applied while the limb is rotated. This type of fracture may require particular treatment approaches, such as immobilization or surgery, depending on the severity and displacement of the fracture.