Failure caused by growth of a crack.
To result in a fracture; to split up, rupture, or tear.
Term used to describe an injury to a bone in which the continuity of the tissue is broken.
Any break in the integrity of a bone. Specifically, are identified as (a) simple, no external wound; (b) compound, an external wound; (c) complicated, injury to some internal organ; (d) comminuted, splintered; (e) impacted, one end of the bone is wedged into the interior of the other end; (f) incomplete, the does not include the whole bone; (g) greenstick, the bone is bent and partially broken; (h) separation of an epiphysis, between the shaft of the bone and its growing end; and (i) depressed; a piece of the skull is driven inward (Table F-l).
Breaks in bones, as from a fall or a blow, but sometimes during normal use, as in certain disorders such as osteoporosis. Fractures may be classified by the nature of the break. Simple fractures, also called closed fractures, are those in which the two bone pieces are not displaced and so do not break the skin or damage surrounding tissue. Breaks in which the pieces of the bone break the skin and damage surrounding tissue are called open, or compound, fractures. Some other special types of fractures include the comminuted fracture, when bone is shattered into more than two pieces, as in an automobile accident; a transverse fracture, in which the two pieces of bone are dislocated sideways by a sharp blow or from stress after excessive use; and greenstick fracture, common in young children, in which the bone bends and breaks only partway through (as in a young growing twig, rather than an old dry stick). Breaks resulting from overuse, as in over-exercising as part of a sports program, are called stress fractures. X-rays or other scans are often used to give physicians a picture of the exact nature of the break.
Breakage of bone due to injury or disease process; classified according to the direction of the break or degree of disruption of structural integrity.
The medical name for a broken bone, referring to a break or crack in a bone or in cartilage. There are two basic types of fracture: a compound (open) fracture and a simple (closed) fracture. A compound or open fracture involves a broken bone that ruptures the skin, exposing the bone. This is a more serious fracture, which requires emergency medical attention, because it allows germs to reach the bone and cause infection. A simple or closed fracture is a broken bone that does not break through the skin and is not visible on the surface. The term single fracture indicates that one break has occurred in a bone; multiple fractures means more than one break in the same bone. A fracture is called complete if the bone is broken straight through, and incomplete, or greenstick, if the break does not extend through the complete width of the bone shaft, sometimes involving bending or crushing of the bone. Greenstick fractures most commonly occur in young children whose bones are more pliable.
Breakage of a bone, either complete or incomplete. A simple fracture involves a clean break with little damage to surrounding tissues and no break in the overlying skin. If a bone end pierces the overlying skin the fracture is compound, and there is a risk of infection. Fracture of an already diseased bone is termed a pathological fracture and may occur after minor injuries. Treatment of a simple fracture includes realignment of the bone ends where there is displacement, immobilization by external splints or internal fixation, followed by rehabilitation.
A fracture refers to a crack or break in a bone. While fractures commonly happen across the breadth of a bone, they can also occur lengthwise, diagonally, or in a spiral pattern.
Fractures primarily fall into two categories: closed (simple) or open (compound). In a closed fracture, the broken ends of the bone stay under the skin with minimal damage to the surrounding tissue. On the other hand, an open fracture is where one or both ends of the broken bone pierce through the skin. If the broken ends have shifted from their original position, which can occur in both closed and open fractures, it’s referred to as a “displaced” fracture.
Fractures primarily fall into two categories: closed (simple) or open (compound). In a closed fracture, the broken ends of the bone stay under the skin with minimal damage to the surrounding tissue. On the other hand, an open fracture is where one or both ends of the broken bone pierce through the skin. If the broken ends have shifted from their original position, which can occur in both closed and open fractures, it’s referred to as a “displaced” fracture.
Fractures can be further categorized based on the way the bone breaks: for instance, long bones can have transverse or spiral fractures. In a greenstick fracture, the break does not span the entire breadth of the bone. This kind of fracture is only seen in children as their bones have more flexibility. In the case of an avulsion fracture, a tendon yanks off a small fragment of bone.
The majority of fractures occur due to a sudden trauma that applies more pressure on the bone than it can bear. This force could be direct, such as when a hammer strikes a finger, or indirect, like when a severe stress is placed on the shin through twisting the foot.
In certain conditions like osteoporosis and some forms of cancer, the bone becomes so fragile that even a slight injury, or sometimes no injury whatsoever, can result in a break. This is referred to as a pathological fracture. People with osteoporosis often experience compression fractures in their vertebrae. Older individuals are most susceptible to fractures due to their higher likelihood of falling and the overall fragility of their bones.
Frequent locations for fractures encompass the hand, wrist, ankle joint, clavicle (also known as the collarbone), and the neck of the femur. Generally, the site of the fracture will exhibit swelling and sensitivity. The discomfort is often intense and tends to worsen with motion.
The existence of a fracture can be verified using X-rays. Once a bone breaks, the healing process commences swiftly, hence the primary goal of treatment is to make certain that the bone ends are properly aligned. Under general anesthesia, displaced bone ends are repositioned either externally through the skin or internally through a surgical incision. Following this, the bone is immobilized. In certain scenarios, metal pins or plates may be utilized to secure the ends of the bone.
The majority of fractures mend without complications. However, sometimes healing can be delayed due to insufficient blood supply to the impacted bone (which can occur from damaged blood vessels) or if the broken bone ends are not adequately aligned. If the fracture doesn’t heal naturally, internal fixation or a bone graft might be necessary. Osteomyelitis, which is an infection of the bone tissue, is a potential complication of fractures that are open.
Physiotherapy holds a crucial role in recovery after a bone fracture. This is due to the fact that if a bone remains immobile for an extended period of time, it can lead to the reduction of muscle mass in the affected area and rigidity in the adjacent joints.