A fracture is a break in a bone. Most are caused by injuries, and because they can be serious, get medical care right away if you think you have one.
Ways fractures are described
| By | Types |
|---|---|
| How complete | the bone is partly or completely broken |
| The skin | an open (compound) fracture breaks through the skin; a closed fracture doesn’t |
| Shape of the break | for example, a line straight across the bone, or a break with some kind of pattern |
| Cause | a stress fracture is a small break, often from overuse |
| Which bone | for example, facial fractures include nose and jaw fractures |
Causes
Fractures commonly come from car accidents, falls and sports injuries; overuse and repetitive motion can also cause them. Low bone density and osteoporosis weaken bones and make a fracture much more likely.
Symptoms
They vary with the bone, but may include:
- intense pain
- deformity — for example, a limb that looks out of place
- swelling, bruising or tenderness around the injury
- trouble moving the injured part
Diagnosis
A health care provider will examine you, ask how you were hurt, and likely order an X-ray or other imaging to see whether the bone is broken.
Treatment
The most common treatment is a cast or splint, which keeps the bone still while it heals — often for several weeks, depending on the type of fracture and the bone. Some fractures need surgery to insert plates, pins or screws that hold the bone in place.
Lowering your risk
Keep your bones strong:
- get enough calcium and vitamin D
- exercise regularly, including weight-bearing activities such as walking, tennis and dancing
- get treatment for low bone density or osteoporosis if needed
Protect yourself:
- wear protective equipment for sports
- prevent falls — remove tripping hazards at home, take care on wet or icy surfaces, and wear the right footwear
Sources
Based on "Fractures," MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine; a work of the United States government in the public domain.
Licence: CC0 1.0 (public domain) · Adapted from medlineplus.gov
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