What type of injury is characterized by an incomplete fracture typically seen in younger individuals?

A greenstick fracture is characterized by an incomplete break in the bone, resembling a young, flexible twig that bends and partially breaks. This type of injury is commonly observed in children and adolescents due to the greater elasticity of their bones compared to those of adults. When a force is applied to a bone, rather than breaking completely, a greenstick fracture allows one side of the bone to bend while the other side fractures, making it distinct from full fractures that can completely separate the bone.

In contrast, dislocation refers to the displacement of bones at a joint, which does not align with the concept of an incomplete fracture. Tension pneumothorax involves air trapped in the pleural space, affecting respiratory function, and is unrelated to bone injuries. A flail segment describes a specific condition related to the thoracic cage following multiple rib fractures, rather than an incomplete fracture itself. Thus, the greenstick fracture is the most accurate representation of the injury type described in the question.