In the AO/OTA fracture classification, a 'C3' designation in any long bone segment indicates which characteristic?
- A Simple fracture with no comminution
- B Wedge fracture with at least one intermediate fragment maintaining cortical continuity on one side
- C Complex comminuted fracture with no cortical contact between main fragments after reduction ✓
- D Articular fracture with only one articular fragment
Correct answer: C. Complex comminuted fracture with no cortical contact between main fragments after reduction
Explanation
The AO/OTA classification uses A (simple), B (wedge/partial articular), and C (complex/complete articular) types, each subdivided 1–3. A 'C' fracture in diaphyseal segments means complex comminution — after reduction, the main proximal and distal fragments have no direct cortical contact, with the intermediate zone being entirely comminuted. A 'B' fracture has a wedge fragment but the two main cortical fragments still contact each other on at least one side.
Reference: Maheshwari Essential Orthopaedics, 6th ed.
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