What is a depressed fracture?

A depressed fracture is indeed commonly associated with flat bones, especially in locations like the skull. This type of fracture occurs when an object strikes the flat surface of the bone, leading to a significant area of the bone being pushed inward. The term "depressed" accurately describes the bone's structural change as it becomes concave, effectively creating a "depression" where the impact occurred.

Flat bones are particularly vulnerable to this type of fracture because of their shape and function, which makes them more susceptible to impact forces. Understanding this mechanism is essential for recognizing potential injuries in athletes, especially in contact sports where direct blows to the head may result in such fractures. Knowing the characteristics of a depressed fracture helps in the systematic evaluation and management of skeletal injuries, ensuring appropriate treatment and care.

Other types of fractures listed do not align with the definition of a depressed fracture. For instance, fractures at a joint are referred to as intra-articular fractures, hairline fractures represent a type of stress fracture, and incomplete fractures on convex surfaces would not specifically describe the inward bone displacement characteristic of a depressed fracture.