Odesplacerade

Odesplacerade is a medical term used in orthopedics and radiology to describe a bone injury in which the bone fragments remain in proper alignment and there is no displacement. The word is the negation of desplacerad (displaced), indicating that the fracture or injury has not caused a noticeable shift in position of the fragments or joint surface.

In clinical use, odesplacerade fractures are identified through imaging, typically plain radiographs. Criteria include intact alignment of fracture ends, no significant angulation, translation, or rotation, and a preserved relationship with adjacent joints. Some fractures can be described as minimally displaced, but still fall under the broader category of undisplaced injuries when alignment is effectively maintained.

Management of odesplacerade fractures is usually conservative, depending on the fracture type, location, patient age, and stability. Immobilisation with a cast or splint is common, with immobilization duration guided by healing and radiographic evidence of maintained alignment. In children, undisplaced fractures often have excellent healing and remodeling potential. Adults may also be treated non-operatively if stability is confirmed, though some undisplaced injuries can require monitoring for late displacement or complications.

Prognosis for odesplacerade injuries is generally favorable when alignment is preserved and immobilization is adequate. Regular follow-up imaging may be used to ensure ongoing alignment during healing. The term emphasizes that, at the time of assessment, there is no displacement, which influences treatment decisions and expected outcomes.

See also: displaced fracture, non-displaced fracture, fracture management.