What is Bone Fracture?
BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery), 10 years of experience
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What is the meaning of Bone Fracture?
A bone fracture is a broken bone. The bone can break in several ways causing it to shatter into two or more pieces. A bone gets fractured in the body when a force is exerted against a bone, and this force is much greater than what the structure of the bone can withstand. The bone fracture problem is more common in the bones of older people, as their calcium metabolism isn’t as efficient.
In this article, we will give you detailed information about the causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of bone fractures.
- What is a Bone Fracture?
- What are the types of Bone Fractures?
- What are the causes of a Bone Fracture?
- What are the symptoms of a Bone Fracture?
- How to diagnose a Bone Fracture?
- What is the treatment for a Bone Fracture?
- What are the complications associated with a Bone Fracture?
- How to prevent a Bone Fracture?
What is a Bone Fracture?
A break or a crack in a bone is known as a fracture. Fractures in the bones can occur due to many reasons.
A bone may be partially or completely fractured in several ways, that is, lengthwise, crosswise, or at multiple sites.
What are the types of Bone Fractures?
There are many types of bone fractures. The different types are:
1. Open or compound fracture: If a bone fracture causes the skin to open up it is known as an open fracture.
2. Closed or simple fracture: If an injury does not cause the skin to open, and the skin on top remains intact it is called a closed fracture.
3. Complete fracture: The break separates the bone into two pieces. The fracture line goes completely through the bone in a complete fracture.
4. Partial fracture: The break or crack does not go all the way through the bone in a partial fracture.
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5. Displaced fracture: A gap is formed where there is a break in the bone. This type of fracture usually requires surgery.
6. Stress fracture / Hairline fracture: A crack is formed in the bone, which may be tough to find on imaging in case of a stress fracture.
7. Avulsion fracture: A ligament (that connects the bone to another bone) or tendon (that attaches the muscle to the bone) pulls away from a part of the bone in an avulsion fracture.
8. Compression fracture: The bone gets flattened or crushed in this type of fracture.
9. Comminuted fracture: The bone is shattered into several pieces in this type of fracture.
10. Oblique fracture: The break in the bone goes diagonally across the bone in this kind of fracture.
11. Impacted fracture: A type of fracture in which a bone fragment goes into another bone fragment.
12. Spiral fracture: This type of fracture spirals around the bone.
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13. Transverse fracture: The break in the bone goes across the bone in a straight line.
14. Greenstick fracture: A small crack in the bone is known as a greenstick fracture. This type of fracture commonly occurs in children, as they have flexible bones as compared to adult bones.
15. Complicated fracture: In this type of fracture, the structures around the fractured bone may be injured. The arteries, veins, or nerves may be damaged. The periosteum (lining of the bone) may also be damaged.
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What are the causes of a Bone Fracture?
There may be several causes of bone fractures. Some of the most common causes are:
- Trauma due to injuries from a fall, sporting injuries, and accidents can cause a fracture.
- Osteoporosis disorder can cause the bones to become brittle with age and fracture easily. ( Know more about- Benefits and Side effects of Shatavari )
- Cancer of the bone like Osteosarcoma can make the bone weak, and prone to fracture.
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- Over usage of muscles in repetitive activities like running may lead to tiring of the muscles and put more force on the bone. This can lead to stress fractures which are commonly seen in sports athletes.
- Flexible bones in children are prone to greenstick fractures.
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What are the symptoms of a Bone Fracture?
The following are some of the common symptoms associated with bone fractures-
- Severe pain
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- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Blood loss is seen in an open fracture
- Tingling sensation in the affected area ( Know more about- Tingling Sensation in Hand and Feet )
- Vomiting and dizziness in rare cases
- An unusual twist, bend or bump in the affected area
- Bruising is the bluish discoloration of the skin at the site of bone fracture.
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How to diagnose a Bone Fracture?
The doctor will first do a physical examination of the injury, and then recommend a couple of tests to confirm the diagnosis of a fracture, which are as follows-
- X-rays: The most common way to diagnose a fracture is through an X-ray which gives a clear 2D image of the bone.
- Bone scan: For fractures that cannot be seen clearly on an X-ray, the doctor advises the patient to undergo a bone scan. This scan takes two visits about four hours apart.
- CT scan: The detailed cross-sections of the bone can be seen by the usage of the X-rays and the computer in a CT scan.
- MRI: An MRI is usually done to diagnose a stress fracture. It uses strong magnetic fields to create detailed images of the fracture site.
What is the treatment for a Bone Fracture?
In case of a bone fracture, the doctor attempts to join the broken segments of the bone. This is done so that the patient can perform his functions again. This process is called “bone splinting”.
For the treatment of a fractured bone, the following procedure is adopted:
Immobilization–
- The broken segments of the bones are joined by the process of immobilization, that is, they are prevented from moving. Immobilization is done with the help of a plaster cast or splints.
- Immobilization helps in faster healing as it facilitates joining, and also helps in the process of osteogenesis (Osteo= Bone; Genesis= Production).
- The fractured bone is held in a plaster cast until the fracture heals completely.
- The patient’s bone grows back and is healed by this process.
- Physiotherapy is performed later to strengthen the patient’s muscles and prevent stiffness due to the injury.
Traction method–
- The doctor may sometimes use the traction method of treatment. Weights and pulleys are used in this method to stretch the tendons and the muscles around the fractured bone. This helps in the proper alignment of the bone to promote healing.
Surgery-
- If there is any injured tissue near the fractured bone, then it is removed through surgery.
- In some cases of fractures, the doctor may advise orthopedic surgery. The treatment includes the use of metal plates or screws to hold the bone together.
- If the fracture is not healing or taking a long time to heal, then the doctor performs bone grafting to join the fractured segments of the bone.
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What are the complications associated with a Bone Fracture?
A fractured bone may cause the following complications:
- Blood clot formation: There may be a blockage of the blood vessel which can break free to move around the body.
- Complications due to wearing of the cast: Wearing a cast can lead to joint stiffening and sores.
- Compartment syndrome: A syndrome characterized by swelling or bleeding within the muscles that surround the fracture.
- Hemarthrosis: A condition in which there is bleeding in the joint region, which may lead to swelling.
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How to prevent a Bone Fracture?
Bone Fracture can be prevented by taking a few precautions such as-
- Moderate weight-bearing exercise like walking keeps the bones strong and healthy.
- Including Calcium and Vitamin D-rich foods in one’s diet helps to improve the strength of the bone and prevent fracture. Some of the foods that are a good source of calcium and vitamin D include dairy products like milk and yogurt, almonds, beans, green leafy vegetables, and whole grains.
- Quitting smoking and drinking will reduce the chances of osteoporosis and bone fractures.
- Using a walker and skid-free shoes can prevent falls and fractures in old age.
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We hope that most of your questions about Bone Fractures have been answered through this article.
If you want to have more information about Bone Fracture or have a suspected fracture, then contact an Orthopedic doctor without any delay.
Our only aim is to provide you with information through this article and we do not advise any medication or treatment to anyone. Only a qualified doctor can provide you with good advice and the correct treatment plan.
