The physician knew her patient was most likely a child before she walked into the examination room because the X-ray revealed a(n) compression fracture greenstick fracture open fracture

To determine which type of fracture the physician expected to see in a child based on the X-ray, let's analyze the options provided: 1. **Compression fracture**: This type of fracture occurs when the bone is crushed or compressed, often seen in older adults with osteoporosis rather than in children. 2. **Greenstick fracture**: This is a common type of fracture in children where the bone bends and partially breaks, similar to how a green twig breaks. It is characterized by an incomplete fracture, which is typical in children due to their softer, more flexible bones. 3. **Open fracture**: This type of fracture involves a break in the bone that pierces through the skin. While children can experience open fractures, they are not as common as greenstick fractures. Given that greenstick fractures are specifically associated with children due to their unique bone structure, the physician likely expected to see a **greenstick fracture** on the X-ray. Thus, the answer is **greenstick fracture**.