What is a Fracture?

A bone fracture is a break in a bone. Fractures are common. Most people fracture at least one bone during their lifetime.

The severity of fractures increase with age. Children's bones are more flexible and less likely to break. Falls or other accidents that do not harm children can cause complete fractures in older adults. Older adults suffer from fractures more than children because their bones are more likely to be brittle.

How Do Fractures Happen?

Fractures can happen in a variety of ways, but there are three common causes:

• Trauma accounts for most fractures. For example, a fall, a motor vehicle accident or a tackle during a football game can all result in a fracture.
• Osteoporosis also can contribute to fractures. Osteoporosis is a bone disease that results in the "thinning" of the bone. The bones become fragile and easily broken.
• Overuse sometimes results in stress fractures. These are common among athletes.

Symptoms
The symptoms of a bone fracture depend on the particular bone and the severity of the injury, but may include:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Deformity
• Inability to use the limb.

Types of Bone Fractures

The Human Skeletal System

The skeletal system is made up of 206 bones and provides support, allows for movement, and protects the internal organs of the body.

What Is a Fracture?

Sometimes, too much pressure is applied to a bone that results in what is known as a fracture. Fractures are often classified as either open or closed.

What Is an Open Fracture?

An open fracture is a fracture where a piece of the broken bone pierces through the skin. This can be dangerous because the bone is exposed, increasing the risk of infection.

What Is a Closed Fracture?

A closed fracture is a fracture where the bone is broken, but does not come through the skin.

What Is a Compression Fracture?

A compression fracture is a closed fracture that occurs when two or more bones are forced against each other. It commonly occurs to bones of the spine and may be caused by falling into a standing or sitting position, or a result of advanced osteoporosis.

What Is an Avulsion Fracture?

An avulsion fracture is a closed fracture where a piece of bone is broken off by a sudden, forceful contraction of a muscle. This type of fracture is common in young athletes and can occur when muscles are not properly stretched before activity. This fracture can also be the result of an injury.

What Is an Impacted Fracture

An impacted fracture is similar to a compression fracture, yet it occurs within the same bone. It is a closed fracture that occurs when pressure is applied to both ends of the bone, causing it to split into two fragments that jam into each other. This type of fracture is common in falls and car accident

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON TYPES OF BONE FRACTURE DO WATCH THIS VIDEO

http://video.about.com/orthopedics/Fractures-2.htm

Diagnosis and treatment
Bone fractures are diagnosed with x-rays. CT and MRI scans may also be used.

Broken bones heal by themselves – the aim of medical treatment is to make sure the two pieces are lined up correctly. Subsequent x-rays are taken to monitor the bone’s healing progress.

Depending on the site of the fracture and the severity of the injury, treatment options may include:

• Splints – to discourage movement of the broken limb
• Braces – to support the bone
• Plaster cast – to provide support and immobilise the bone
• Traction – this option is less common
• Surgically inserted metal rods or plates – to hold the bone pieces together
• Pain relief.

The healing process
The blood clots that form on the broken ends of bone are the beginning of the healing process. Over five or so weeks, the body fuses the two bone portions together with a combination of fibrous cells and cartilage. This bridge is temporary and not as strong as real bone. It can break easily with comparatively little force.

A cast or splint may be removed after a few weeks, but the bone still needs to be handled with care for at least one more month. The temporary bone (callus) is slowly replaced with real bone over the next couple of months.

Unlike skin, broken bones heal without forming scar tissue. However immobilised muscles tend to weaken and wither. Rehabilitation, including strengthening exercises, may be needed for a short time.
Complications of bone fractures
Complications can include:

• Blood loss – bones have a rich blood supply and a bad break can result in substantial blood loss.
• Injuries to organs – such as the brain (in the case of skull fractures) or chest organs (if a rib breaks).
• Growth problems – the fractured long bone of a young child may not grow to its intended adult length if the injury is close to a joint, since bone fuses when it heals.

First aid
Suggestions for immediate treatment of a suspected bone fracture include:

• Do not move the person unless there is an immediate danger, especially in the case of a suspected fracture of the skull, spine, ribs, pelvis or upper leg.
• Attend to any bleeding wounds first. Stop the bleeding by pressing firmly on the site with a clean dressing. If a bone is protruding, apply pressure around the edges of the wound.
• If bleeding is controlled, keep the wound covered with a clean dressing.
• Do not attempt to straighten broken bones.
• For limb fractures, provide support and comfort such as a pillow under the lower leg or forearm. However do not cause further pain or unnecessary movement of the broken bone.
• Apply a splint to support the limb.
• Immobilise the area by applying a sling for arms. Immobilise legs by tying them together above and below the fractured area.
• If possible, elevate the fractured area and apply a cold pack to reduce swelling and pain.
• In an emergency dial triple zero (000) for an ambulance.
• Do not eat or drink anything until seen by a doctor, in case surgery is required.

How serious is a fracture?

The seriousness depends on the age of the individual and location of the fracture. Some fractures only require temporary protection (crutches, splint). Other, more serious fractures require surgery.

Things to remember

• A fracture occurs when force exerted against a bone is stronger than the bone can structurally withstand.
• The most common sites for bone fractures include the wrist, ankle and hip.
• Treatment options include immobilising the bone with plaster casts, or surgically inserting metal rods or plates to hold the bone pieces together.