What type of fracture involves the orbit and the bones that support the floor of the orbit?

Study for the AAOS Emergency Care and Transport of the Sick and Injured Exam. Prepare with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for success!

A blowout fracture specifically refers to a type of fracture that occurs when a high-impact force causes a break in the thin bones at the base of the orbit, particularly affecting the floor. This kind of fracture often results from blunt trauma to the eye area, such as being struck in the face, which can lead to the displacement of the orbital contents. The term "blowout" is derived from the nature of the injury, where the force causes the bone to break and may allow the eye or surrounding structures to protrude or be displaced.

In contrast, a comminuted fracture involves the bone breaking into multiple pieces, which is more complex and does not specifically relate to the orbit. A greenstick fracture typically affects children and involves an incomplete fracture where the bone bends and partially breaks, resembling a green twig, which is not applicable to the structures of the orbit. Long bone fractures refer to breaks in the long bones of the body, such as the femur or humerus, and do not involve the craniofacial structure. Thus, the blowout fracture is the correct answer as it directly pertains to injuries involving the orbital floor and its supporting bones.

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