What is a Fracture?
A fracture is the medical definition of a cracked or broken bone. While bones are able to withstand pressure and impact to an extent, they will break if the force is too great. Any bones in the body can break.
A fracture is usually caused by fractures such as falls, car accidents or sports injuries. However, some medical condition and repetitive force may increase your chances for experiencing certain types of fractures.
Types of Fractures
Given enough outside force, bones will break. The severity of the fracture usually depends on the force that caused the break. If the bone's breaking point had only been slightly exceeded, the bone may have a hairline crack rather than break all the way through. If the force on the bone is extreme, the bone may shatter.
Some types of fractures you may encounter include:
- Hairline fracture: Also known as a stress fracture, it is a small crack or severe bruise within a bone and is common among athletes.
- Comminuted fracture: It refers to a bone that is broken in at least two places and are caused by severe traumas such as car accidents.
- Greenstick fracture: Greenstick fracture happens when an accident bends a bone enough for it to crack on one side without breaking into multiple pieces.
- Oblique fracture: A type of broken bone that happens when your bone is broken at an angle.
- Transverse fracture: This type of broken bone runs horizontally perpendicular to your bone, meaning the line of the break goes all the way through your bone.
What are the symptoms of a Fracture?
Symptoms may vary depending on the type of fracture you have. Some symptoms you may notice include:
- Pain, swelling and bruising
- A grating sensation when you move
- An inability to move the affected area
- A deformity: A limb may look out of place or a part of the bone may puncture through the skin
What are the complications of Fractures?
Complications from fractures may include:
- Blood loss
- Injuries to surrounding organs, tissues or surrounding structures
- Poor alignment of limbs if the bones do not heal properly
- Infection
How do you reduce your risk for Fractures?
Follow these general safety tips to reduce your risk of an injury and bone fracture:
- Always wear your seatbelt
- Wear proper protective equipment when participating in sports
- Ensure your home or workplace is clutter-free to avoid tripping
- Follow a healthy diet and exercist plan to help you maintain good bone health
- Talk to your healthcare provider about a bone density test if you are above 50 years old or if you have a family history of osteoporosis.
How is a Fracture diagnosed?
Imaging Tests
Imaging tests done with X-rays, MRI or CT scan to take pictures of your fracture and show how damaged your bones are.
