Fractures (Broken Bones)

Fractures (Broken Bones)

What is a Fracture?

A fracture is a break or crack in a bone. Fractures can vary significantly in severity, from minor cracks to complete breaks. Understanding the type, cause, and treatment of fractures is crucial for effective recovery.

Why Do Fractures Occur?

Fractures typically occur due to trauma, such as falls, car accidents, or sports injuries. Bones weakened by conditions like osteoporosis are more susceptible to fractures. Repetitive stress on bones, often seen in athletes, can also lead to stress fractures.

How Are Fractures Classified?

Fractures are classified based on their characteristics:

• Closed vs. Open: A closed fracture does not break the skin, while an open (compound) fracture pierces through the skin.
• Partial vs. Complete: A partial fracture is an incomplete break, while a complete fracture fully separates the bone.
• Simple vs. Comminuted: A simple fracture involves a single break, while a comminuted fracture shatters the bone into multiple pieces.
• Stress Fracture: Caused by repetitive stress, stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bone, often seen in athletes and military personnel.
• Osteoporotic Fracture: These fractures occur in bones weakened by osteoporosis, commonly affecting older adults.
• Avulsion Fracture: Occurs when a tendon or ligament pulls off a small piece of bone, often in areas like the ankle or hip.

What Are the Symptoms of a Fracture?

Symptoms of a fracture often include:

• Intense pain at the site of the break
• Swelling, bruising, and tenderness
• Visible deformity or misalignment
• Difficulty moving the affected area
• A grinding sensation when attempting to move the bone

How Are Fractures Diagnosed?

Diagnosing a fracture involves a physical examination and imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. These tests help determine the type and extent of the fracture, guiding appropriate treatment.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bone caused by repetitive force, often from overuse. Athletes and military personnel are particularly prone to stress fractures, especially in weight-bearing bones like the legs and feet.

What Are Avulsion Fractures?

Avulsion fractures occur when a tendon or ligament pulls off a small piece of bone. These fractures commonly happen in athletes and can occur in various parts of the body, including the ankle and hip.

What Are Osteoporotic Fractures?

Osteoporotic fractures are breaks that occur in bones weakened by osteoporosis. These fractures are most common in the spine, wrist, and hip, significantly affecting older adults.

Treatment Options for Fractures

Treatment for fractures depends on the severity and location of the break:

• Immobilisation: Casts or splints are commonly used to keep the bone in place during healing.
• Pain Management: Medications help manage pain and inflammation.
• Surgery: Severe fractures may require surgery to realign bones and stabilise them with hardware such as screws, plates, or rods.
• Physiotherapy: Rehabilitation exercises restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion after the bone has healed.

Read more: Post-Fracture Physiotherapy | Post-Operative Physiotherapy

Research on Fractures

Recent studies highlight the importance of early intervention in fracture healing. Advances in surgical techniques and rehabilitation strategies are improving recovery times and outcomes for patients with fractures. Systematic reviews emphasise the role of nutrition, particularly calcium and vitamin D, in promoting bone health and preventing fractures. (Yao et al., 2019)

What to Do?

If you suspect a fracture, it’s essential to seek professional medical advice immediately. Prompt treatment can prevent complications and promote quicker healing. Consult your doctor, orthopaedic surgeon or physiotherapist for tailored advice on managing and recovering from fractures.

Read more:

• Avulsion Fractures – Learn about different types of avulsion fractures and their treatments.
• Stress Fractures – Explore the causes and prevention of stress fractures.
• Osteoporosis – Understand how osteoporosis contributes to bone fractures and how to manage it.

Related Articles

1. Stress Fractures – Learn about the causes, symptoms, and prevention of stress fractures.
2. Osteoporosis – Understand how osteoporosis leads to fractures and how to manage bone health.
3. Physiotherapy for Fractures – Learn how physiotherapy aids in fracture recovery.
4. Rehabilitation After Surgery – Explore the role of rehab in recovering from fracture surgery.
5. Avulsion Injuries – Discover how sports-related avulsion fractures are treated.
6. Fracture Healing – Explore the stages of fracture healing and what to expect during recovery.
7. Stress Fractures: Mayo – Learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of stress fractures.
8. Osteoporotic Fractures – Discuss the latest research on osteoporosis-related fractures and their management.

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