Greenstick Fracture — NDEB AFK MCQ
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Correct answer: A — Fracture of one cortex with bending/buckling of the other cortex without complete separation
A greenstick fracture is a specific paediatric fracture pattern where one cortex breaks while the opposite cortex bends/buckles without complete separation. This occurs because paediatric bone is more flexible and porous than adult bone. In mandibular greenstick fractures, the fracture line crosses one cortex (often the buccal/lateral) while the opposite cortex (lingual/medial) remains intact but deformed. Treatment is usually closed reduction with observation and soft diet; ORIF is rarely needed.
Reference: Hupp – Contemporary Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 7th ed., 2019