Also known as: bone fractures, broken bones

What are fractures?

When a bone breaks in the body, this is known as a fracture. There are different types, including a stable fracture where the bones stay aligned, an open fracture that punctures the skin, a transverse fracture with a horizontal line, an oblique fracture with an angled pattern, or a comminuted fracture where the bone shatters into several pieces.

What causes fractures?

Falls, sports injuries and car accidents are common causes of fractures.

What are the symptoms of fractures?

It’s common to experience swelling, bruising, numbness, tingling, intense pain, trouble moving the limb or limb deformity after a fracture occurs.

What are fracture care options?

Fractures are often treated with casts that hold the bones in alignment and limit movement until they can heal. In some instances, fixation is required to join the bones back together. This might require an external frame or internal screws or plates to hold the bones together.

Reviewed by: Craig Spurdle, MD

This page was last updated on: 6/14/2017 10:33:09 AM

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