Distraction, displacement, angulation, or shortening (overriding) may occur.

Distraction is separation in the longitudinal axis.

Displacement is the degree to which the fractured ends are out of alignment with each other; it is described in millimeters or bone width percentage.

Angulation is the angle of the distal fragment measured from the proximal fragment.

Displacement and angulation may occur in the ventral-dorsal plane, lateral-medial plane, or both.