Overview
A fracture means a bone has broken partially or completely. It can happen in any bone in the body and may range from a tiny crack to a bone broken into several pieces. Some fractures are obvious after an injury, while others are less clear and may be mistaken for a sprain or strain.
Key Symptoms
Common symptoms include sudden pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, and difficulty using or putting weight on the injured area. The shape of the limb may look different, or the area may seem unstable. A snapping sound may be heard at the time of injury, but not always. Stress fractures may cause pain that starts gradually and worsens with activity.
Causes and Risk Factors
Fractures often happen because of falls, sports injuries, traffic crashes, or direct blows. Repeated stress on a bone can cause small cracks called stress fractures. Bones can also break more easily when they are weakened by osteoporosis, aging, some long-term health conditions, or certain medicines. Poor balance, low muscle strength, and unsafe environments can raise the chance of falling.
Who Is Affected
Fractures can affect people of any age. Children may have fractures from play and sports, while older adults are more likely to have fractures related to falls and weaker bones. Athletes, manual workers, and people with osteoporosis or balance problems may have higher risk. People with reduced vision or nerve problems may also be more likely to fall and get injured.
Prevention
Prevention focuses on lowering injury risk and keeping bones strong. Steps include making homes and workplaces safer to reduce falls, using seat belts and protective sports gear, and building strength and balance through regular activity. Managing bone health, especially in older adults and people at risk of osteoporosis, is also important.
Diagnosis and Tests
A healthcare professional will ask how the injury happened, examine the area, and check movement, circulation, and feeling below the injury. X-rays are commonly used to look for a break and its position. In some situations, other imaging such as CT, MRI, or bone scans may be used, especially if a stress fracture or a hidden fracture is suspected.
Treatment Categories
Treatment depends on which bone is broken, how serious the break is, and whether the bone is out of position. Common approaches include resting the area, using a splint, cast, or brace, and a procedure to realign the bone if needed. Some fractures require surgery to hold the bone in place with hardware. Rehabilitation may help restore movement, strength, and function after the bone starts healing.
Living With It
Healing time varies depending on the bone, the type of fracture, age, and general health. It is important to protect the injured area and follow medical advice about movement and follow-up. During recovery, stiffness, weakness, and reduced confidence with activity can happen. Support from rehabilitation and gradual return to activity may help recovery.
When It May Be an Emergency
Get urgent medical help if there is severe pain, heavy bleeding, a bone sticking through the skin, a limb that looks badly deformed, numbness, pale or blue skin, or loss of movement after an injury. Emergency care is also important after a major fall, road crash, or if a neck, back, hip, or head injury may be involved. Do not try to straighten the limb yourself.