What type of fracture typically results from a sudden lurching motion?

A spiral fracture typically results from a twisting or lurching motion. This type of fracture occurs when a rotational force is applied to the bone, causing it to break in a spiral pattern along its length. Such mechanisms are often seen in sports or physical activities where an athlete might suddenly change direction or experience a sharp, twisting movement, leading to the characteristic spiral shape of the fracture.

In contrast, other types of fractures are associated with different mechanisms of injury. For instance, a longitudinal fracture typically involves forces applied along the length of the bone, a greenstick fracture often occurs in children due to bending forces, and an oblique fracture results from a diagonal force across the bone. Understanding these mechanisms is important for athletic trainers in diagnosing and managing injuries appropriately.