Final answer:
To classify a fracture as displaced or nondisplaced, we examine if the bone ends have shifted from their normal position. Displaced fractures feature misaligned bone parts, while nondisplaced fractures retain proper alignment. Proper treatment is crucial for healing, and complications can be severe in cases like femur diaphysis fractures.
Step-by-step explanation:
Classifying a fracture as displaced or nondisplaced involves determining whether the broken bone parts have shifted position. A displaced fracture occurs when the bone snaps into two or more parts and moves so that the two ends are not lined up straight. In contrast, a nondisplaced fracture implies that the bone has cracked either partly or completely, but maintains its proper alignment. Fractures, including these kinds, can have different complexities and locations that influence the treatment approach, such as closed or open reduction.
Healing of fractures starts with a hematoma formation, succeeded by the development of internal and external calli. Osteoclasts remove the dead bone while osteoblasts work to form new bone. This newly formed bone gradually replaces the cartilage found in the calli. Over time, the calli unite, bone remodeling occurs, and the healing process is completed.
It is critical to properly reset a fractured bone, as improper alignment may result in the bone healing in a deformed position, potentially leading to long-term issues. In the case of severe fractures, like a fractured diaphysis of the femur, serious complications such as fat emboli in the bloodstream can create additional medical emergencies, necessitating immediate medical attention.