What type of fracture occurs between the condyles of a bone?

An intercondylar fracture specifically occurs between the condyles of a bone, particularly around the knee joint, where the distal end of the femur has two condyles. This type of fracture typically happens due to a significant impact or trauma, such as a fall or collision, and can affect the stability and movement of the joint due to the involvement of the condyles, which are crucial for joint function.

The characteristics of intercondylar fractures involve a fracture line that runs through the area between the two condyles, leading to complications such as joint instability or misalignment. Medical management often involves surgical intervention to realign the fragments and restore proper function.

In contrast, pelvic fractures involve the bony structures of the pelvis, bimalleolar fractures particularly refer to ankle fractures involving both malleoli, and comminuted fractures are those where the bone is shattered into multiple pieces. While these types of fractures have their own distinct characteristics and challenges in management, they do not specifically refer to fractures that occur between the condyles, which is why intercondylar fractures are uniquely defined and important in the context of orthopedic injuries.