This document discusses and compares three types of bone fractures: Comminuted fractures occur when a bone is broken into three or more pieces. They tend to affect elderly people or those with weaker bones. Treatment may involve surgery to pin the broken pieces together. Greenstick fractures happen when a bone bends but does not fully break. They typically affect children, who have more flexible bones. Treatment usually involves casting for 4-8 weeks. Spiral fractures result from a twisting motion that causes the bone to fracture in a spiral pattern. They are common in toddlers who fall on an outstretched leg and skiers. Treatment may include surgery to pin the bone or several months in a cast.