An oblique fracture occurs when the bone breaks diagonally across its axis, forming a slanted or angled break rather than a straight one. This type of fracture typically results from a force applied at an angle to the bone, often due to a sudden, twisting motion or impact.
Oblique fractures are often more complex than simple transverse fractures (which break straight across the bone), as the jagged edges of the bone may be more difficult to align and heal. Treatment may require realigning the bone fragments through either conservative methods like casting or, in more severe cases, surgical intervention.
In conclusion, an oblique fracture is characterized by a diagonal break across the bone's axis, which can lead to complications in healing if not properly treated and managed.