A fracture is a break, usually in a bone. If the broken bone punctures the skin, it is called an open or compound fracture. Fractures commonly happen because of car accidents, falls, or sports injuries. Other causes are low bone density and osteoporosis, which cause weakening of the bones. Overuse can cause stress fractures, which are very small cracks in the bone.

Symptoms of a fracture are:

• Intense pain
• Deformity – the limb looks out of place
• Swelling, bruising, or tenderness around the injury
• Numbness and tingling
• Problems moving a limb
  

  Common types of fractures include:

  • Stable fracture. The broken ends of the bone line up and are barely out of place.
  • Open (compound) fracture. The skin may be pierced by the bone or by a blow that breaks the skin at the time of the fracture. The bone may or may not be visible in the wound.
  • Transverse fracture. This type of fracture has a horizontal fracture line.
  • Oblique fracture. This type of fracture has an angled pattern.
  • Comminuted fracture. In this type of fracture, the bone shatters into three or more pieces.

  

  A bone can fracture in different ways. Some common fracture types are shown here.

  Cause

  The most common causes of fractures are:

  • Trauma. A fall, motor vehicle accident, or tackle during a football game can all result in fractures.
  • Osteoporosis. This disorder weakens bones and makes them more likely to break.
  • Overuse. Repetitive motion can tire muscles and place more force on bone. This can result in stress fractures. Stress fractures are more common in athletes.

  Symptoms

  Many fractures are very painful and may prevent you from moving the injured area. Other common symptoms include:

  • Swelling and tenderness around the injury
  • Bruising
  • Deformity — a limb may look out of place, or a part of the bone may puncture through the skin

  Doctor Examination

  Your doctor will do a careful examination to assess your overall condition, as well as the extent of the injury. They will talk with you about how the injury occurred, your symptoms, and your medical history.

  The most common way to evaluate a fracture is with X-rays, which provide clear images of bone. Your doctor will likely use an X-ray to verify the diagnosis. X-rays can show whether a bone is intact or broken. They can also show the type of fracture and exactly where it is located within the bone.

  Treatment

  Cast Immobilization

  A plaster or fiberglass cast is the most common type of fracture treatment, because most broken bones can heal successfully once they have been repositioned and a cast has been applied to keep the broken ends in proper position while they heal.

  

  Functional Cast or Brace

  The cast or brace allows limited or controlled movement of nearby joints. This treatment is desirable for some, but not all, fractures.

  Traction

  Traction is usually used to align a bone or bones by a gentle, steady pulling action. It is not typically used as a definitive treatment.

  External Fixation

  In this type of operation, the doctor places metal pins or screws into the broke

  In cases where the skin and other soft tissues around the fracture are badly damaged, an external fixator may be applied until you can tolerate surgery.

  An external fixator applied to a broken femur (thighbone).

  Open Reduction and Internal Fixation

  

  Recovery

  During your recovery you will likely lose m

  Prevention

  Proper diet and exercise may help prevent some fractures. A diet rich in calcium and Vitamin D will promote bone strength. Weightbearing exercise also helps keep

• During this operation, the doctor first repositions (reduces) the bone fragments into their normal alignment and holds the bones together with special screws or by attaching metal plates to the outer surface of the bone. The fragments may also be held together by inserting rods down through the center of the bone.

  

  A specially designed metal rod, called an intramedullary nail, provides strong fixation for this thigh

  In this X-ray, the broken bones of the forearm are held in position by plates and screws while they heal.

  

• bone fracture.
• uscle strength and range of motion in the injured area. Specific exercises will help you restore normal muscle strength, joint motion, and flexibility.Fractures take several weeks to several months to heal, depending on the extent of the injury and how well you follow your doctor’s advice. Pain usually stops long before the fracture is solid enough to handle the stresses of normal activity.
•  bones strong.
• n bone above and below the fracture site. The pins or screws are connected to a metal bar outside the skin. This device is a stabilizing frame that holds the bones in the proper position while they heal.
• Even after your cast or brace is removed, you may need to continue limiting your movement until the bone is solid enough for normal activity.

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