In a greenstick fracture, which radiographic description best describes this fracture?

• A. Transverse
• B. Greenstick
• C. Oblique
• D. Spiral

Answer: (B)

In children, bones are more flexible, so a bend can crack one side of the cortex without a full break on the other. This produces an incomplete fracture known as a greenstick injury. On the X-ray you’ll see bowing of the bone with a fracture line that travels through only the convex (tension) side while the opposite cortex remains intact and the periosteum on that side often stays in place. The result is an angulated, partially cracked bone rather than a clean, complete break. That incomplete, bending pattern is why this description fits a greenstick fracture best, unlike a transverse, oblique, or spiral pattern which imply complete fractures or different mechanisms.