What Is a Bone Fracture?

A fracture occurs when excessive force causes a bone to crack or break. While some fractures heal with simple immobilization, others (like compound fractures) require surgery, pins, or plates for proper recovery.

Common Causes of Fractures:

• Trauma (falls, car accidents, sports injuries)
• Osteoporosis (weakens bones, increasing fracture risk)
• Overuse (stress fractures in athletes)
• Pathological conditions (bone cancer, infections)

Types of Bone Fractures (With Examples)

1. Closed vs. Open Fractures

• Closed (Simple) Fracture – Bone breaks but does not pierce the skin.
• Open (Compound) Fracture – Bone protrudes through skin (higher infection risk).

2. Complete vs. Incomplete Fractures

• Complete Fracture – Bone breaks into two or more pieces.
• Incomplete (Hairline) Fracture – Small crack that does not fully separate the bone.

3. Common Fracture Patterns

• Greenstick Fracture – Partial break (common in children).
• Comminuted Fracture – Bone shatters into multiple pieces.
• Spiral Fracture – Twisting force causes a helical break.
• Compression Fracture – Bone collapses (common in spine due to osteoporosis).

Symptoms of a Broken Bone

• Severe pain (worsens with movement)
• Swelling & bruising
• Visible deformity (bone looks misaligned)
• Difficulty bearing weight (e.g., can not walk on a fractured ankle)
• Grinding sensation (crepitus) when moving the bone

Seek emergency care if:
- Bone is visible (open fracture)
- Limb is numb/cold (possible nerve/blood vessel damage)

How Are Fractures Diagnosed?

1. Physical Exam – Checks for tenderness, swelling, deformity.
2. X-ray – Confirms fracture type & alignment.
3. MRI/CT Scan – Detects hairline or soft tissue injuries.

Bone Fracture Treatment Options

1. Non-Surgical Treatments

• Casting/Splinting – Immobilizes bone for healing.
• Closed Reduction – Doctor realigns bone without surgery.
• Pain Management – NSAIDs (ibuprofen), ice, elevation.

2. Surgical Treatments

• Open Reduction & Internal Fixation (ORIF) – Uses plates/screws to stabilize bone.
• External Fixation – Metal frame holds bones in place externally.
• Bone Grafting – For severe or non-healing fractures.

How Long Does a Fracture Take to Heal?

Factors Affecting Healing: Age, nutrition, smoking, diabetes, and bone health (osteoporosis).

How to Heal a Fracture Faster (Evidence-Based Tips)

1. Eat Bone-Healing Foods

• Calcium-rich: Dairy, leafy greens, almonds.
• Vitamin D: Fatty fish, eggs (helps calcium absorption).
• Protein: Lean meat, beans (collagen supports bone repair).

2. Follow Physiotherapy Exercises

Prevents joint stiffness & muscle loss during recovery.

Can You Prevent Fractures?

• Weight-bearing exercise (strengthens bones)
• Fall prevention (remove trip hazards, use handrails)
• Osteoporosis screening (if over 50 or high-risk)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is a fracture the same as a break?

   Yes—medical professionals use both terms interchangeably.

2. Can you walk on a hairline fracture?

   Not advised—it can worsen the injury. Use crutches if needed.

3. What is the worst bone to break?

   Hip & femur fractures are most severe (long recovery, high complication risk).