Which type of fracture is characterized by an incomplete fracture of the bone?

The type of fracture characterized by an incomplete fracture of the bone is known as a greenstick fracture. This type of fracture occurs primarily in children due to the flexibility of their bones. In a greenstick fracture, the bone bends and cracks on one side while remaining intact on the other, similar to how a green twig bends without breaking completely. This characteristic makes it distinct from other types of fractures, which typically result in a complete break.

Other fracture types have different features: comminuted fractures involve the bone being shattered into multiple pieces, Pott's fractures are specific to the ankle region, and epiphyseal fractures occur at the growth plate. Each of these categories denotes a complete break or specific location of injury, contrasting with the incomplete nature of a greenstick fracture. Understanding these distinctions helps in properly diagnosing and treating the various forms of bone injuries.